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Residents urge county to restore MATA funding and oppose federal Build America proposal
Summary
Multiple advocates asked the commission to restore funding for Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), warned the Build America 250 proposal could redirect federal transit dollars away from Memphis, and sought county representation on the MATA board.
Several speakers representing Better Transit for a Better Memphis, Memphis Catholics for Social Justice and disability advocates urged the commission to restore annual funding for MATA (request cited: $5,000,000 minimum annual contribution) and to seek permanent representation on the MATA board so county investment pairs with oversight.
Allison Noam (Better Transit for a Better Memphis) said the county should oppose the Build America 250 Act because, as drafted, it risks redirecting federal public transit funding away from cities and could worsen service for Memphis riders. Leo Arnold described the proposal as a ‘‘rare opportunity for bipartisan opposition’’ and urged the county to pass a resolution opposing the transportation infrastructure provision. "We are asking the Shelby County Commission and mayor today ... to pass resolutions opposing the transportation infrastructure provision in the Build America 250 act," he said.
Why it matters: Local public transportation funding decisions and intergovernmental appointment rights determine transit access for residents who rely on MATA; lawmakers’ posture on federal proposals could influence future funding flows.
