Secretary Slater Announces Federal Funds for Florida Transit Systems (7/22/98)

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, July 22, 1998
Contact: Karen Clarke
Tel: (202) 366-0787
FTA 16-98

Secretary Slater Announces
Federal Funds for Florida Transit Systems

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today joined Sen. Bob Graham and Congressman John Mica to announce the award of Federal Transit (FTA) funds totaling more than $37 million for improvements to Florida transit systems.

"President Clinton and I are committed to investing in public transportation, which strengthens the economy and makes public transit accessible to all," said Secretary Slater.

"This funding will help improve the quality of life for people in Florida."

"The transportation bill that President Clinton signed in June was a huge step forward for Florida," Senator Graham said. "These additional grants will further assist our state in meeting the transportation needs of its fast-growing population. They help to prove that federal transportation spending is no longer a dead-end road for Florida."

"I applaud Secretary Slater for demonstrating the Department of Transportation’s strong support of this project through this funding commitment. These monies put us one step closer to easing the congestion clogging our Interstate," Congressman Mica said.

Individual Florida transit agencies receiving grants:

Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) -- $22.6 million for preliminary engineering of a 14.7 mile light rail system along the Central Florida Parkway to Livingston Street in downtown Orlando
Tri-County Commuter Rail -- $9.5 million for track and signal system upgrades to train stations and facilities in the Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach areas.
Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) -- $3.9 million for twelve 40-foot replacement buses and partial design and construction of a new bus maintenance facility.
Volusia County Transit Authority -- $1.9 million for the purchase of eight 35-foot wheelchair lift-equipped buses that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

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Briefing Room