MILWAUKEE – Today, County Executive David Crowley announced that Milwaukee County has been awarded $1.25 million in federal funding to support new bus purchases and upgrades to the Kosciuszko Community Center. Following strong advocacy at the federal level by County Executive Crowley, the funds were secured by U.S. Representative Gwen Moore through the annual congressional appropriations process.
“Sustainable, reliable public transit and safe, functional gathering spaces are foundational to growing our economy, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and building a stronger, more connected community,” said County Executive Crowley. “I want to thank Congresswoman Moore for supporting projects that not only benefit Milwaukee County, but all of southeast Wisconsin. I remain committed to working with anyone to deliver investments that make Milwaukee County safer, stronger, and more vibrant for residents, families, and children across our community.”
“The Kosciuszko Community Center and the MCTS help my constituents work, play, and live in Milwaukee. The number one reason individuals ride our transit system is to get to work. These funding projects pour directly into our community and improve these vital resources, and I was proud to secure this funding in Congress,” said Congresswoman Moore.
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will receive $1 million to support the purchase of new buses. In 2026, about a third of MCTS’ buses will have reached the end of their useful life of 12 years old or 500,000 miles. Replacing these buses helps MCTS reduce repair costs, save local taxpayer dollars, and provide reliable service to Milwaukee County residents.
The Milwaukee County Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will receive $250,000 to support facility upgrades at the Kosciusko Community Center, which was constructed 45 years ago.
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Moore and County Executive Crowley for championing this important federal investment in Milwaukee County Parks,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks. “The Kosciuszko Community Center is more than just a building, it’s a gathering space where families connect, youth participate in programming, and neighbors build community. This funding will help us enhance the safety, functionality, and long-term sustainability of the facility so it can continue serving residents for generations to come.”
The funds were included in an FY2026 funding package that was adopted by Congress earlier this month. The package was in addition to funding passed in November and included the bill funding the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) that carries funding for the community projects that were submitted by Congresswoman Moore.
