Metropolitan Council approves park funding distribution, bus purchases and several contracts by voice vote

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Metropolitan Council on July 9 approved a series of routine and capital actions by voice vote, moving forward regional park funding distributions, a software contract and transit vehicle purchases.

The council approved the annual regional parks operations and maintenance distribution tied to the state appropriation; authorized a three‑year grants management software contract with two one‑year options not to exceed $1,390,000; authorized purchase of 128 40‑foot biodiesel buses from Gillig LLC for up to $122,085,767.45; and approved up to $10,000,000 for nonrevenue vehicles and equipment charged to the Metro Green Line Extension project budget. The meeting also ratified committee assignments for council members.

Why it matters: The bus and Green Line equipment purchases support transit service and the opening and operation of…