GRAND RAPIDS (AP) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he’s recommending $14.7 million in federal aid to build a 9.6-mile bus rapid transit line in Grand Rapids.

LaHood said in a statement Tuesday that the line will offer fast and efficient access to the western Michigan city’s central business district and relieve congestion.

LaHood said the project is part of President Barack Obama’s budget for the 2013 fiscal year. The budget sent to Congress on Monday includes $2.2 billion in funding for 29 major rail and bus rapid transit projects in 15 states.

LaHood said the budget would fund the Grand Rapids Interurban Transit partnership for a new Silver Line BRT system. It would run along Division Avenue from the Grand Rapids central business district to 60th Street at Division Avenue.

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