New Hampshire’s congressional delegation are hailing over $24 million in federal funding the state will be receiving to modernize and expand transit services around the state.

In a statement, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan along with Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, welcomed the money, which comes in part from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed last year, which both Shaheen and Hassan contributed to. Funding also comes from the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill that was signed into law in March.

They said the funding is the largest investment in transit ever for the state.

It will help transit agencies finance new buses and railcars, address repair backlogs, modernize fleets and transition to new technologies to address the climate crisis.

“I’m thrilled to see record-level funding heading to New Hampshire to update our transit systems. Granite Staters rely on public transit to help them get to work, get groceries, go to school and other essential everyday tasks,” said Shaheen. These updates are a critical opportunity to make our transportation safer and more efficient, while simultaneously reducing pollution and addressing the climate crisis.

Hassan said, “Public transit can help reduce traffic, bring down costs for commuters and reduce pollution, which is why we worked to significantly increase funding in transit programs when crafting the bipartisan infrastructure law.”

According to Kuster, “Our communities and our economy are made stronger by reliable and durable roads, bridges and highways – I am thrilled to see record levels of federal resources heading to New Hampshire to strengthen our state’s transportation infrastructure.”

Pappas said the funding “will expand access to safe, sustainable public transit by ensuring New Hampshire can both purchase new vehicles and make much needed repairs to our existing fleets.