Madison Reporter

Wisconsin’s State Capitol allocated $5 million in federal funding for its public transportation program last month.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway took to social media to express her gratitude toward Gov. Tony Evers for the earmark.

“Thank you @GovEvers for recognizing the importance of mass transit in Madison and providing over $5 million for our city’s @mymetrobus mass transportation system,” the mayor tweeted on Aug. 30.

WKOW reported that the money is derived from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act funds, adding that Evers’ announcement followed that of a $100 COVID-19 vaccine incentive program, a $200 million Neighborhood Investment Fund and $50 million Healthcare Infrastructure Capital Investment grant program.

The purpose of these funds two-fold: 1. To aid with COVID-19 recovery, and 2. Address the Badger State’s equity gap.

“I am glad to be putting our ARPA funds to good use in these communities to help ensure our families, workers and businesses and our economic drivers for the state continue to bounce back from the pandemic and see long-term economic recovery,” WKOW reported Evers, a Democrat, as saying.

Madison’s allocation is part of a combined $25 million investment in transportation from the governor’s office.

WGLR reported that Milwaukee County received close to $20 million in funding.