Provide operating assistance to whatcom transportation authority to cover up to 50% of eligible 2026 operating expenses

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Whatcom Transportation Authority $46.818 million on May 19, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to cover up to 50 percent of eligible 2026 operating expenses.

Funds support transit operations throughout Whatcom County, Washington, enabling the authority to continue providing public transportation services to general riders and paratransit-eligible passengers. The award covers operating costs including payroll, fuel, maintenance, and administrative expenses through June 30, 2027. Whatcom Transportation Authority, a local government transit authority based in Bellingham, is the sole recipient with no sub-recipients identified for this award. The funding allows the authority to sustain service continuity that connects workers to employment and riders to essential services across the county.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide operating assistance to whatcom transportation authority to cover up to 50% of eligible 2026 operating expenses.

Activities

Funds will be used to cover up to 50% of eligible 2026 operating expenses.

Expected outcomes

Funding will allow whatcom transportation authority to continue to provide operations.

Intended beneficiaries

Whatcom transportation authority and the riders that rely on its service will benefit from continued services permitting workers to get to work and riders to get to essential services.