Freedom Transit and the Washington County Transportation Authority welcomed officials from the Federal Transit Authority on Tuesday to accept a grant that will pave the way to completion of the new Freedom Transit transportation hub. Freedom Transit Executive Director Sheila Gombita welcomed Terry Garcia Crews, Regional Administrator from the Federal Transit Authority and Michael Carroll, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to a check presentation ceremony where Freedom Transit was awarded a $15 million grant from the FTA. According the Crews the funds are from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Carroll indicated that Pennsylvania has kicked in $17 million of state funds for the project. Gombita was elated to receive the competitive grant. She said the 88,000 square foot maintenance facility will help extend the life of busses. Customers will see a cleaner and better maintained fleet. Gombita said that the new facility will be for maintenance only. Executive offices and the transfer station will stay in the middle of Washington on E. Chestnut Street. Groundbreaking on the $56 million facility is anticipated in July of 2025 with a completion date of December of 2026. (Photo: L-R. Terry Garcia Crews, Regional Administrator, Federal Transit Authority; Michael Carroll, Secy. PA Dept. of Transportation; Sheila Gombita, Exec. dir. Freedom Transit and members of the Freedom Transit Board of Directors)