Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a 2023 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low or No Emissions Grant to be used for overhead electric bus charging infrastructure. This $3.64 million grant recognizes KAT's commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the Knoxville area.

The FTA Low or No Emissions Grant program is known for supporting initiatives that focus on reducing emissions and enhancing air quality within local communities. The FTA announced $1.69 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 Project awardees, and KAT is pleased to be one of the 130 projects selected. The FTA Low or No Emissions Grant program is highly competitive, and KAT's successful application highlights the organization's unwavering focus on embracing clean energy technologies.

"We are honored to be awarded the FTA Low or No Emissions Grant for our overhead electric bus charging infrastructure," said Isaac Thorne, Director of Transit of Knoxville Area Transit. "This grant will help us to reach our goal of reducing emissions, and providing our community with cleaner, more efficient transportation choices."

The grant will provide KAT with the necessary funds to implement overhead electric bus charging infrastructure at Knoxville Station Transit Center, furthering KAT’s pledge of reducing emissions and delivering sustainable public transportation options, as part of the KAT Decarbonization Plan. Deploying this charging infrastructure allows KAT to expand the number of electric battery buses in the fleet, while enhancing the passenger experience. The overhead charging infrastructure will provide a reliable and efficient method of quickly recharging electric battery buses during operational hours, and allow them to remain on route during the entire service day.

Mayor Indya Kincannon expressed her enthusiasm regarding the award and its alignment with the city's sustainability objectives, stating, "The 2023 FTA Low or No Emissions Grant is a tremendous achievement for Knoxville Area Transit and our entire community. This grant award aligns perfectly with KAT’s and city's commitment to sustainability as outlined in the Climate Council's goals of reducing emissions.”