FTA – Page 6 – Railfanning.org

President’s Spending Plan Recommends $1.62 Billion for Transit Construction, Including New Projects in Nine Cities Across the U.S.

February 6, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — President Bush has recommended a $1.62 billion funding package for Fiscal Year 2009 that includes new projects in nine cities across the nation. This New Starts amount is part of a total public transportation budget proposal of $10.1 billion, a 6.8 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2008. “Well planned, cost-effective transit is crucial to relieving congestion, protecting the environment and reducing dependence on foreign oil,” said Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters. The budget proposes $200 million in funding for nine new projects in the “Small Starts” program, and four existing small starts projects. The spending plan also recommends

Feds Give $128 Million in Funding for Norfolk Light Rail Project

November 25, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Norfolk’s light rail system is one step closer to reality, now that the federal government has signed a “full funding grant agreement.” Under the agreement, the federal government will provide $128 million in tax dollars, more than half of the $232 million in capital costs for the project. The money will be allocated through 2010. “Fighting future gridlock depends on building transit projects like this one,” Federal Transit Administrator James S. Simpson said. “Construction of ‘The Tide’ will transform an abandoned rail right-of-way into a lifeline for those who currently depend on transit, and will help meet future

U.S. DOT Pledges $1.3 Billion for Second Avenue Subway to Relieve New York City Commuters on Congested Lexington Avenue Line

November 25, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — The federal government is giving $1.3 billion in tax dollars for New York’s Second Avenue Subway line, which when completed, will help ease congestion for commuters in the nation’s biggest city, officials announced earlier this month. “It was bold ideas and big dreams that made New York City the place it is today, and it is ambitious projects like the Second Avenue Subway that will keep it that way,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters, noting that this is the second largest transit investment the federal government has made. The Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) gives

Streetcar Service Returns to St. Charles Line

January 4, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEW ORLEANS – Streetcar service is returning to the historic St. Charles line in New Orleans now that a federally funded project to replace electrical lines used to power the system is complete, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters said. “Today, the streetcars’ familiar sounds return to St. Charles Avenue for the first time since Katrina hit, heralding to the world the resilience of this city,” Peters said. “Where cable hung following the storm, today neat rows of overhead wires stand ready to power New Orleans on a streetcar we should call Revival.” Peters noted that the Department of Transportation’s

FTA Signs $700 Million Agreement to Fund Construction of Dallas ‘Green Line’ Rail Extension

August 4, 2006 Railfanning.org News Wire

DALLAS – The Federal Transit Administration and Dallas Area Rapid Transit have reached an agreement that will send $700 million in federal funding to begin construction of the “Green Line,” the northwest/southeast extension to the city’s light rail system. When complete, the line will give roughly 125,000 Dallas-area workers direct access to downtown. “Well designed transit projects such as this one are a critical component of the congestion solution,” Bushue said. “In addition to providing a vital link between jobs and workers, the Green Line will help ease gridlock in this city.” The 21-mile project consists of two segments that

Federal Transit Administration and Metro Sign Agreement To Purchase New Rail Cars

August 3, 2006 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – The Federal Transit Administration and Metro have reached a $173.3 million agreement to buy dozens of new rail cars for the transit system serving the nation’s capital. The federal government is committing $104 million in federal funds over the next three years so Metro can implement 20 percent eight-car train operations by the end of this year. The remaining funds will be contributed by the local jurisdictions that Metro serves. The first of the new 6000 series rail cars which are scheduled to enter passenger service later this summer, feature an interior that has been completely redesigned to

OL, FTA and APTA Work Together To Develop Light Rail Safety Program

February 2, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

Seven transit agencies nationwide have received free packets of information for use in their marketing, education, and communications efforts for Light Rail Safety Education.