Milwaukee County awarded $1.25 million for MCTS bus replacements and Kosciuszko Community Center upgrades
Federal appropriations funding targets transit fleet needs and a 45-year-old public facility
Milwaukee County has been awarded $1.25 million in federal funding to support replacement bus purchases for the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) and facility improvements at the Kosciuszko Community Center, county officials announced on Feb. 23, 2026.
The funding includes $1 million designated for MCTS bus purchases and $250,000 for upgrades at the Kosciuszko Community Center. The money was secured through the annual congressional appropriations process and was included in an FY2026 funding package adopted by Congress earlier in February.
Transit: replacing buses nearing the end of their service life
County officials said the $1 million allocation is intended to help MCTS replace buses as a significant portion of the fleet reaches its expected end-of-life threshold. For 2026, the county projected that about one-third of MCTS buses will have reached the end of their useful life, defined as approximately 12 years in service or 500,000 miles.
Replacing aging buses is expected to reduce maintenance and repair costs and improve reliability for riders. MCTS is a key transportation provider for residents traveling to work, school, and appointments, and fleet condition directly affects service consistency through breakdown rates and vehicle availability.
Community center: upgrades planned for a building constructed about 45 years ago
The Kosciuszko Community Center will receive $250,000 through the Milwaukee County Department of Administrative Services for facility upgrades. County officials described the center as a neighborhood gathering place for programming and recreation, and said the funding will be used to improve building functionality and long-term sustainability.
While the county announcement did not provide an itemized construction scope, officials characterized the improvements as focused on safety and usability upgrades for a facility that has been in operation for decades.
How the funding fits into a broader investment pattern
The new federal award adds to recent grant activity connected to transit operations and public infrastructure in Milwaukee County.
In September 2025, Milwaukee County transportation officials announced nearly $8 million in state-administered grant funding for transit-related projects, including replacement buses and related service improvements.
Separately, Milwaukee County transportation planning work has been supported by federal and state funding aimed at developing a countywide road safety action plan and related public engagement.
The FY2026 appropriations award is structured as two targeted investments—one aimed at replacing aging vehicles in the transit fleet and another supporting upgrades at a long-standing public community facility.
County officials said the projects are intended to support reliable transportation and maintain functional community spaces, with implementation to proceed as the appropriated funds are administered and project planning advances.