Sherrod Brown discusses how infrastructure bill will benefit TARTA

TOLEDO, Ohio — Tuesday morning, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown visited Toledo to discuss the recent federal infrastructure bill with Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority staff.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes over $50 million to expand modern job training and acquire new pollution-free vehicles in Toledo.

"Transit is all about the Dignity of Work — it creates jobs, it connects people with jobs, it draws in investment to help cities like Toledo grow and create opportunity. Toledo understands that connection better than just about anywhere," Brown said. "Whether it's downtown Toledo or the major jobs and manufacturing centers opening up nearby — there's a reason that employers and entrepreneurs and workers have all been asking for better transit."

The bill will generally provide $39 billion for public transit funding over the next five years, $1.3 billion of which will go to Ohio.

"The timing of the infrastructure bill is fantastic with the new sales tax levy, I think that's going to be a huge jumpstart to what TARTA is trying to do," said Mark McGuire, an electrician and longtime member of TAAP/UAW Local 5242 at TARTA. "I'm hoping we can make a huge transition into the 21st century."

Other investments will include highway and bridge fixes, airport upgrades, clean drinking water, renewed electric grids, high-speed broadband, supply chain security, workplace safety and job creation.