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County approves three federal transit grants despite litigation over immigration-assistance clause
Summary
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved three federal grants to operate and maintain public transit but County Counsel warned a new U.S. Department of Transportation condition requiring assistance to federal immigration authorities is subject to litigation and could affect future funding.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved three federal grant agreements totaling operating and preventive maintenance support for the county’s public transit system but County Counsel warned the agreements include a contested U.S. Department of Transportation requirement to assist immigration authorities that is currently enjoined in court.
The grants — listed in materials as C138-025 (grant agreement number 35738), C139-2025 (35739) and C140-2025 (35801, a Section 5311 operations grant) — were approved by voice vote after presentations from Transit Director Chris Wheatley and legal counsel.
Chris Wheatley, the county’s transit director, described the services the grants support and the practical reliance the transit program has on federal awards. “Without these grants, we don’t have anything,” Wheatley said, noting ride volumes are increasing and that the funds are the “three biggest…
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