DOT News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
Thursday, August 3, 2000 
Contact: Karen Clarke
Tel: (202) 366-4319
FTA 15-00

 

U.S. Transportation Secretary Announces
$44 Million Grant for Atlanta’s Rapid Transit

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced $44 million in Federal Transit Administration funding for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

"Investing in important mass transit projects is a key to rebuilding our cities and creating livable communities," Vice President Gore said. "Mass transit helps stimulate economic development throughout our nation. The payoff is in a better quality of life for hardworking Americans who live in our metropolitan areas."

These funds will be used to continue the extension of MARTA’s North Line from Dunwoody Station through the new Sandy Springs Station to the new North Springs Station. This grant also will help with the purchase of 56 new rail cars, which will be needed to operate the expanded system.

"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 resources like jobs, health care, education, and recreation accessible to all," Secretary Slater said. “Like other transit projects funded under TEA-21 (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century), this MARTA 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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