SARTA Receives Historic Grant to Upgrade Transit Infrastructure with Green Hydrogen Production
Key Ideas
- SARTA in Stark County received a record $17.25 million federal grant to enhance clean transit infrastructure.
- The grant will enable the production of green hydrogen on-site using water and solar panels, reducing diesel reliance.
- With the largest hydrogen bus fleet outside California, SARTA aims to operate several buses on renewable energy sources.
The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) in Stark County secured a substantial $17,254,229 federal grant to modernize its transit infrastructure. Kirt Conrad, the CEO and executive director of SARTA, expressed his excitement, stating that this is the largest grant the authority has ever received. The grant will facilitate essential upgrades such as a new roof for the bus garage and repaving of the parking lot. One significant aspect of the grant is the opportunity to produce green hydrogen on-site through the use of water and solar panels. This initiative aligns with SARTA's goal to enhance sustainability by transitioning several buses to operate on renewable energy, thereby reducing the reliance on diesel. Furthermore, SARTA boasts the largest hydrogen bus fleet outside of California and has made substantial progress in minimizing diesel consumption. The Department of Transportation’s Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Program awarded this investment, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This grant not only supports the advancement of clean and renewable transportation solutions but also contributes to the overall environmental sustainability efforts of SARTA.