RTD is expecting to receive $203,367,528 in federal funding from a recent COVID-19 relief package, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced.

This funding is from the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act signed by former President Donald Trump in late December. The package includes $14 billion in support of U.S. public transit systems.

“I extend my appreciation to our partners at the FTA, our congressional delegation and all of our federal stakeholders for this critical funding,” RTD CEO Debra Johnson said.

“The leadership team and I will continue assessing in an expeditious manner how this funding will best support our transit service delivery.”

So far, RTD has determined that around $190.9 million of the funding will go toward the Denver-Aurora area, and $12.5 million will go towards the Boulder area.

Johnson said this funding will help offset the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drastically reduced the number of people using the public transit system.

RTD has reduced its workforce by about 300 people during the pandemic over financial impacts.

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“RTD and our transit peers nationwide provide a crucial lifeline for many people during this pandemic,” Johnson said. “Our essential employees have continued to deliver service to those who need it most, and we are committed to doing so as we look ahead.”

The funding is to be used as soon as possible and can be used for any operational costs associated with COVID-19, including staffing.

In April, RTD received over $232 million through the CARES Act, as part of $25 billion in funding announced by the Federal Transit Administration.