DELANO, Calif. — On Thursday the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration announced $6.5 million in grant awards to three transit providers in California as part of the CARES Act, Delano's DART System being a recipient.

Delano in Kern County will receive approximately $1.2 million to support the operation of Delano Area Rapid Transit, which provides bus and paratransit service in Delano and the surrounding area.

"This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation's public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who continue to depend on them," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

"We know many of our nation's public transportation systems are facing extraordinary challenges and these funds will go a long way to assisting our transit industry partners in battling COVID-19," said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams. "These federal funds will support operating assistance to transit agencies of all sizes providing essential travel and supporting transit workers across the country who are unable to work because of the public health emergency."

In addition to the CARES Act funding, FTA issued a Safety Advisory that prompts transit agencies to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation, and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance. CARES Act funding can be used to cover 100 percent of these costs.