Finance committee backs $7.4 million in federal transit grants for Cheyenne facility, operations

The Cheyenne finance committee on April 21 recommended that the governing body approve two Federal Transit Administration grants totaling approximately $7.43 million to renovate the Cheyenne Transit Facility and support transit operations.

Aaron Johnson, transit administrator, told the committee the city applied for Section 5339 competitive and formula funds and was notified of the award in November 2025. The committee approved a motion recommending $4,143,600 for facility renovation; staff said the local match of roughly $828,720 will come from the city’s general fund.

Johnson also presented a Section 5307 package for operating assistance, ADA paratransit operations, preventive-maintenance vehicles, facilities and capital work. The committee recommended forwarding $3,291,390 for those purposes. Johnson said 5307 funds cover driver salaries, small capital projects and operating costs.

During public comment, Charles Miller urged scrutiny of the general-fund match and asked the committee to consider fiscal pressure across multiple budget items. Councilman Moody and Councilman Wolf defended the grants, noting the federal share exceeds the city match and that the investments support essential transportation services for residents who rely on transit.

The committee’s recommendation now moves the grants to the full governing body for final acceptance and execution of grant agreements; staff identified the grant-award dates and explained project timing and contract steps.

Quote: "This is for the new Cheyenne Transit facility that is located at 1800 Westland Road," Aaron Johnson said, noting the building was purchased in 2022 and renovation funding is now available.