These funds will be used to support the new small urbanized area of beaufort/port royal SC transit through preventative maintenance for vehicles and facilities planning capital and operating…

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration awarded Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority $3.4 million on August 6, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to support operating expenses and preventative maintenance for the newly urbanized Beaufort/Port Royal transit area in South Carolina.

The recipient, which operates as Palmetto Breeze, will use funding to cover eligible operating costs including driver salaries, fuel, and maintenance, and to purchase security and surveillance equipment. The award enables the transit authority to continue service during the transition from rural to urban designation and supports the planned addition of new urban routes to the area. The funding is intended to reduce road congestion and address limited parking availability while ensuring workers and residents retain access to employment and essential services.

Performance extends through March 30, 2035. No sub-recipients are identified. The award is structured as formula funding apportioned to the urbanized area under 49 U.S.C. 5307, which makes federal resources available to local and regional transit authorities for capital and operating assistance and transportation-related planning.

Activities

Funds will used to cover all eligible operating expenses such as driver salaries fuel maintenance etc. In order to continue transit operations. Funds will also be used to purchase security and surveillance.

Expected outcomes

Funding will permit lowcountry RTA to continue to provide service to the new small urbanized area once rural during the transition from rural to urban. As conversations continue with partners new urban routes will be add to this area. This will reduce congestion on the roads and helps with the limited parking available in this urban area.

Intended beneficiaries

Lowcountry RTA and the riders that rely on is service will benefit from continued services permitting workers to get to work and riders to essential services and employment opportunities.