Federal funds are now in place for a major piece of the Impact Warren puzzle.

On Friday, U.S. Rep. Phil English announced that more than $2 million in funding had been secured for a multimodal transit center in downtown Warren.

The funds were part of the final version of the Transportation and Equity Act approved by Congress on July 29.

Joined by State Rep. Kathy Rapp and Warren Mayor Mark Phillips, English said he was "struck by the incredible local support and local interest" with Impact Warren, and that the transit center project will be "one of the real jewels in the crown of the Impact Warren project."

The funding will be used for construction of the Transit Authority of Warren County's new facility on the eastern end of the former Loranger's building on Clark St.

Related infrastructure projects will include bike paths, road reconstruction, and extending the riverwalk down to a pedestrian-only bridge.

According to Grace Zerbe, TAWC chairman, the new transit center will provide easier accessibility and increased services.

"This is a real win for the city of Warren, and a real breakthrough for local economic development," said English. "The riverfront of Warren is part of a bigger picture. It helps the community bootstrap itself to create real opportunities."

"It shows how with a limited amount of dollars you can make a really big impact," he added.

During his announcement on Friday, English also applauded U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum for his commitment to the project.

"Despite the fiscal restraints in the federal budget, he was able to contribute $1 million of this funding for the multimodal transit center. We should all be grateful for the senator's help," said English.

Following English's announcement, Phillips commended "anybody and everybody who continues to believe in this project."

According to Phillips, the infrastructure-based federal funds are critical in improving the aesthetic surroundings of the riverfront and achieving one of the primary goals of Impact Warren, which is to connect all parts of the city.

Impact Warren, according to Phillips, has proven to be a successful project. That success, and the continued support at the federal level, is due in large part to the community's commitment to the project.

Rapp agreed. "These are the real outcomes of people in a community working together," she said. "This is about making our town more accessible, and makes coming here more attractive."