FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, June 24, 2000
Contact: Karen Clarke
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
FTA 11-00
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater
Announces Federal Funding for BART Rail Extension
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced a grant of $64 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds to the Bay Area Rapid Transit District for the BART Rail System extension from Colma to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
"Investing in important mass transit projects like this is key to rebuilding our cities and creating livable communities. It will stimulate economic development throughout our nation," said Vice President Gore. "For hard working Americans who live in our metropolitan areas, the payoff is in a better quality of life."
"President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to investing in transportation, which will strengthen the economy, protect the environment for generations to come and make transportation accessible to all," said Secretary Slater.
The BART/SFO project is an 8.2 mile, four-station, $1.483 billion extension of BART heavy rail service from the recently constructed Colma Station to the San Francisco International Airport and the City of Millbrae. The federal share of this project is $750 million. FTA is participating in the project under a 1997 full funding grant agreement (FFGA). An FFGA is the federal government’s commitment to support a transit project over the course of several fiscal years, contingent upon Congress’ annual transit appropriations.
"The President’s budget, which provides a record $6.1 billion for transit, will produce real results in addressing the national concern over suburban sprawl, congestion and livability issues faced by every city and town in America," said Secretary Slater. "The BART project will showcase how transit helps us use our investments wisely, maintain a good quality of life and produce a robust economy as we increasingly move toward smart growth and sustainable development."
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