Document x33pgzkdd4ew07YOm1QMZdN6

JOHN ROSE 6TH DISTRICT, TENNESSEE JOHNROSE.HOUSE.Gov WASHINGTON OFFICE 2238 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (202) 225-4231 FAX: (202) 225-6887 COOKEVILLE OFFICE 321 EAST SPRING STREET, SUITE 306 COOKEVILLE, TN 38501 (931) 854-9430 FAX: (615) 206-8980 GALLATIN OFFICE 355 NORTH BELVEDERE DRNE, SUITE 308 GALLATIN, TN 37066 (615) 206-8204 FAX: (615) 206-8980 Congrego of the aniteb iptatto TOottoe of Reprecientatibefi Etiacibington, 3DC 20515-4206 July 24, 2025 COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON DIGITAL ASSETS, FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY, AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL FARM COMMODITIES, RISK MANAGEMENT, AND CREDIT SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONSERVATION, RESEARCH, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY VICE-CHAIRMAN SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMODITY MARKETS, DIGITAL ASSETS, AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Tariq Bokhari Acting Administrator Federal Transit Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 In re: Support for Tennessee Department of Transportation Application Dear Acting Administrator Bokhari: Thank you for your commitment to supporting public transportation systems and ensuring reliable mobility for communities across our nation. As the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) considers applications for the FY 2025 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program (Opportunity ID: FTA-2025-007-TPM-BUS), I write to express my strong support for the statewide grant application submitted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). This application seeks federal funding to replace 515 public transit vehicles that have exceeded their useful lives and are no longer cost-effective to maintain. These vehicles serve riders in 76 counties across Tennessee through the combined efforts of nine public transit agencies. The scope and reach of this project reflects the broad and bipartisan support for improving public transit access in both rural and urban communities, including those in Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. TDOT is requesting $37,855,663 in federal assistance to cover 80 percent of the total project cost. This funding will be matched with $9,463,913 in local contributions, evenly shared between TDOT and the participating transit agencies. The replacement of these vehicles is critical to ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transportation options for thousands of Tennesseans who depend on these daily services. Due to ongoing inflation and post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, transit agencies face increased costs and delays in maintaining aging fleets. As a result, agencies are forced to allocate limited resources to keep unsafe and unreliable vehicles in service. This grant will help restore a state of good repair to Tennessee's transit systems by modernizing fleets, reducing costly maintenance downtime, and improving safety for drivers and passengers. Moreover, the investment will increase efficiency and reliability, particularly for riders who depend on transit to access jobs, education, and medical care. OST-2025-1200 Page 01978 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0027859 Administrator Bokhari July XX, 2025 Page 2 of 2 I respectfully urge you to give this application your full and fair consideration. Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to strengthening public transit systems across the country. I look forward to working with you to support Tennessee communities and transit riders. Sincerely, ca,,` John Rose Member of Congress OST-2025-1200 Page 01979 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0027860