SunLine Transit Agency to Receive $500,000 in Funding

On Monday, August 5, 2024, at 10:15 a.m., Congressman Raul Ruiz will present a check for $500,000 to SunLine Transit to support efforts to help the agency become energy independent and reduce its carbon footprint.

This funding was included in the Senate’s Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) bill for fiscal year 2024 as part of the annual Community Project Request process. The check presentation will take place at SunLine’s Boardroom, located at 32-505 Harry Oliver Trail in Thousand Palms.

Congressman Raul Ruiz and Senator Alex Padilla worked together to secure this new funding for the SunLine Transit Agency. It will help fund a battery storage package that can be connected to the existing SunLine substation to store energy from existing infrastructure, including the grid and solar. The engineering work required to enable the eventual construction of this project can now begin with this new federal funding award.

“We are very grateful for the work that Congressman Ruiz and Senator Padilla have done on behalf of SunLine to help the agency continue to expand its use of renewable energy,” said Mona Babauta, CEO/General Manager of the SunLine Transit Agency. “Together, we are committed to improving air quality in our region by leveraging cutting-edge technologies that continue to advance clean energy initiatives.”

SunLine Transit Agency is looking to build a solar microgrid that will provide renewable fuel for its fleet of clean buses. The Coachella Valley is severely impacted by emissions, and this project allows SunLine to do its part to reduce emissions and facilitate health benefits for all residents.

More information about the SunLine Transit Agency can be found at SunLine.org.