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7/10/2024 – Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) will hold a press conference in collaboration with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center, located at 301 W. Oglethorpe Avenue.

CAT is holding this press conference to announce a new $7.8 million grant that will significantly improve CAT’s mission to provide reliable and environmentally focused transportation service to Chatham County, City of Savannah and surrounding areas. With Chatham Area Transit receiving this grant, Chatham County residents will benefit by receiving six battery-electric buses (BEB), four depot chargers, and workforce training and development for transit workers. The new buses will provide CAT riders with clean energy and air quality enhancement.    

“On Tuesday, July 9, 117 communities, including Chatham County, received the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris Administration is helping agencies across 47 states replace old buses running on dirty, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses, manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go.”

The CAT Board Chairman, Deidrick Cody, its Board of Directors, and Team CAT are grateful for the ongoing commitment and support received by FTA and our Region 4 Administrator.

“We are honored to receive this federal award from the FTA for our electric battery vehicle initiative. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and improving the quality of public transportation for our community. With this support, we can further reduce our environmental footprint, enhance service efficiency, and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future in transit. Thank you to the FTA for their confidence in our vision and to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this project a reality”, said Chairman Deidrick Cody.

CAT also recognize the support of ATU Local 1324, Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Council members of the City of Savannah, Garden City, Port Wentworth, the CORE MPO, SEDA, TLC, Georgia Power, Bike Walk, and Gillig who made this possible.

“We cannot move forward without each of our transit advocates and partners. We move this County together, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made so far”, said CAT Interim Executive Director/CEO Stephanie Cutter. 

Speakers at the press conference will include but not limited to:

• FTA Regional 4 Administrator

• CAT Board Chairman

• Local Elected Officials
  
  

In March 2024, CAT’s Board of Directors approved the submission of the FY 2024 Low or No Emission Grant to the Department of Transportation.

There will be a set time for questions following the press conference.