Denton County Transportation Authority was granted $23.4 million in federal aid through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, according to a May 4 announcement from the agency.

The federal funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis and can apply to any expenditures that were made as of Jan. 20, 2020, according to the announcement. The agency stated that the aid will be used to help fill anticipated gaps in its budget created by decreased sales tax revenue due to the coronavirus.

The aid will also be used for personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, according to the agency.

“As DCTA discusses responsible application of the funds to COVID-19 activities, this aid reflects how public transit provides a critical lifeline for many communities in Denton County and across the nation,” said Raymond Suarez, Denton County Transportation Authority CEO, in a statement. “We’re grateful to our congressional leaders for passing this critical funding legislation to ensure we are able to provide accessible mobility options to essential and front-line workers and keep our economy moving forward while protecting those sheltered in place.”