FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2025
WASHINGTON D.C. — Leaders from Arrowhead Transit traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to meet with members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation and national transit organizations to advocate for the needs of rural communities as Congress prepares to reauthorize the federal surface transportation bill.
Arrowhead Transit representatives joined the Transportation Alliance — of which the Minnesota Public Transit Association (MPTA) is a member — for a congressional breakfast and a series of meetings on Capitol Hill. Conversations included U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Pete Stauber, and staff from the offices of U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Representative Angie Craig, and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer.
The Arrowhead team also met informally with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) to discuss legislative priorities for rural systems nationwide. CTAA Executive Director Scott Bogren emphasized the importance of ensuring that rural voices are heard in the reauthorization process.
Key issues raised by Arrowhead Transit included:
- Maintaining Formula Funding Levels: Ensuring continued federal investment at current Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) levels, with stable year-over-year increases.
- Bus and Bus Facilities Funding: Supporting an increase in Section 5339 bus formula funds from approximately $4 million per state to $8 million per state.
- Regulatory Scalability: Reducing administrative burdens that disproportionately impact small transit systems, particularly in procurement processes.
- Volunteer Driver Programs: Reinforcing bipartisan support for federal recognition and expansion of volunteer driver initiatives that help connect rural residents to medical care and essential services.
“This is a pivotal reauthorization year,” said Brandon Nurmi, Executive Director of Arrowhead Transit. “How Congress funds surface transportation over the next five years will directly impact rural communities like ours. We’re here to make sure Greater Minnesota has a seat at the table.”
The trip also allowed Arrowhead Transit leaders to build relationships with new regional staff in congressional offices and strengthen ties with a growing coalition of rural transit providers nationwide.