CyRide is still waiting for approval of funds, almost three months after being informed about possibly receiving $3 million in federal funding.

The bus company began the first part of a three-stage project to add new facilities and renovate current facilities November 2002. A new fueling and bus washer lane and expanded storage area will be finished within a few weeks.

However, phases two and three of the expansion cannot be completed without federal funding, said Bob Bourne, director of transportation for CyRide.

The phases include adding two lanes that will hold 14 buses, new offices and expanded maintenance bays and shop space.

“One million dollars in federal funding is needed just for the bus storage,” Bourne said. “An additional two million is needed for the office and shop.”

CyRide is projecting to carry five million passengers during the 2004 fiscal year, up more than 300,000 passengers from the previous year. “We’re really the only growing bus system in the state,” Bourne said.

When Ames transit officials realized they would need additional funding to complete construction, they invited Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, member of the House Appropriations Committee, to visit the CyRide facilities, said James Carstensen, communications director for Congressman Latham.

Latham then requested $3 million for CyRide in the Transportation and Treasury Appropriations bill, Carstensen said.

The House of Representatives passed 13 appropriations bills this year, including the Transportation and Treasury Appropriations bill, for the 2004 fiscal year.

“Congressman Latham did his job. The House did their job,” Carstensen said. “Now we’re waiting for the Senate to do their job. We’re waiting in limbo.”

Carstensen said he has no idea when the Senate will discuss the appropriations bills. Beth Levine, press secretary for U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa was also unsure when the bill would be discussed.

“We haven’t had any indication from the leadership when the bills will be brought up [in the Senate],” Levine said. “The Senate is just taking a little bit more time to pass the appropriation bills.”

The regular session of the Senate is projected to end Nov. 7 or 17, and Levine said the bills will “all be passed.” Carstensen said the seven appropriations bills yet to be passed by the Senate will likely be passed as part of a big spending bill that includes all bills yet to be passed.