East Rockaway obtains fuel-alternative buses

The Village of East Rockaway has obtained five alternative fuel passenger buses, mainly funded through federal funds received from the Federal Transportation Administration.

According to East Rockaway Mayor Francis T. Lenahan, Jr., the buses will provide an efficient method of transporting senior citizens, facilitate Recreation Department activities, and for other uses that are still being determined and finalize by the Village Board.

All five buses are complete with wheelchair accessibility for individuals who require this service. Each bus has a 16-passenger capacity, or 10 passengers with two wheelchairs stowed.

“This is yet another project that comes at no additional cost to the taxpayer,” Lenahan said.

Working alongside Deputy Mayor Bruno Romano, Trustee Richard Gogarty and the rest of the Village Board, East Rockaway not only obtained $300,000 in federal grant funding to pay for these buses, but the village also received an extra 10 percent matching grant — or $33,000 – thanks to Senator Dean Skelos and the New York State Department of Transportation.

The Federal Transportation Administration manages a $10 billion annual budget of federal funds to support public transportation to achieve multiple environmental benefits, according to Lenahan. FTA’s largest grant program is the area formula program, which provides funding for capital expenses such as purchasing buses and improving available public transportation options.

“Keeping government costs as low as possible while providing the best services to our neighbors continues to be my top priority,” said Lenahan. “These buses run at a lower operating cost than vehicles the Village has previously used. The new alternative fuel buses also have lower emissions. This is a win-win for both taxpayers and the environment.”