The Flint Hills Regional Transit Administration has been designated as the direct recipient of federal funds from the Federal Transit Administration.  The money can be used to support transit services within the Manhattan Urbanized Area or that start of end in the Manhattan Urbanized Area. Riley, Pottawatomie, and Geary Counties are in that area. FTA has allocated just over $900,000 annually for the Manhattan Urbanized Area.

Ben Bennett, Flint Hills Regional Council board member, says more than anything the announcement means the Council can stay in business.

“The money will transfer through the Regional Council. We are the governing body for projects and jobs, we’ve go to go through the approval process, but we are in charge of that money.”

Bennett added they will be to pay for things that have already been looked at,  will be responsible for providing transportation, and will be taking bids for busing transportation.

The FHRTA was created through an interlocal agreement between Geary County, Pottawatomie County, Riley County, Junction City, Manhattan, and Kansas State University. A six-member board representing each of the jurisdictions governs the FHRTA, with the Flint Hills Regional Council acting as the fiscal agent and providing staff support.

The Flint Hills Regional Council has advertised for a position. Transit Administrator / Mobility Manager to provide staff for the FHRTA.