WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today announced the award of a $744,000 grant for the Coast Transit Authority to support clean-energy transit service in Gulfport. The grant is part of the Low and No Emissions program within the U.S. Department of Transportation, which provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses and related facilities.

“This grant is welcome news for the City of Gulfport and its efforts to provide safe and reliable transportation options for residents and visitors,” Wicker said. “A new electric bus will help the Coast Transit Authority increase service along an important economic corridor, which will boost ridership and enhance access for employees and tourists alike.”

“The City of Gulfport is home to a thriving economy and important developments like the new Mississippi Aquarium. The safe and efficient transport of residents and tourists between attractions will help the city build on its growth. This grant will support that effort,” Hyde-Smith said.

“Securing grants to increase access to eco-friendly transportation on the Gulf Coast is good for business in south Mississippi. I look forward to seeing the Coast Transit Authority continue its economic contributions to our local economy,” Palazzo said. 

In addition to the DOT grant, Coast Transit has also received a $100,000 commitment from Mississippi Power for this initiative, which will involve replacing an aging vehicle on the downtown Gulfport shuttle route that has reached the end of its useful life and has become cost-prohibitive to repair. New electric vehicles have significantly lower costs of operations and maintenance. The downtown route connects business and retail with major employment and tourist centers like the new Mississippi Aquarium.