FTA 16-04
Contact: Melissa Sabatine
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
Tuesday, June 1, 2004

$5.8 Million Announced for North Shore Project As Overbrook Construction is Completed

During the grand re-opening ceremony of the Overbrook light rail line in Pittsburgh, Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn presented a $5.8 million grant to the Port Authority of Allegheny County for the North Shore Connector Light Rail Transit Project. This extension would provide direct transit service between the North Shore area and downtown Pittsburgh’s central business district which are separated by the Allegheny River.

“A transit investment is an investment that keeps giving back to the community, long after the project is complete,” Administrator Dorn said as she presented the check to Port Authority CEO Paul Skoutelas. “The Bush Administration is committed to keeping Pittsburgh’s economy moving and this grant demonstrates that commitment.”

Dorn told the audience gathered near the refurbished Willow Station that the North Corridor Light Rail Transit Project will support Pittsburgh’s economic rebirth by, “connecting workers with new job sites, increasing mobility and enhancing the livability of an already very livable city.”

The North Shore Connector project, a 1.5-mile extension of the existing 25-mile Light Rail Transit System, will run below ground, under the Allegheny River into the Downtown Pittsburgh central business area, providing direct transit access for the first time. The extension will carry passengers from the new North Shore Station to the existing Gateway Station enhancing accessibility to major sports, cultural and civic facilities. The project includes the development of the North Shore and Allegheny stations, and a new Convention Center Station at Liberty Center. In addition, a short connection between the Convention Center and the existing Steel Plaza Station will be developed.

Noting that the North Shore is a major site for urban renewal and development, Dorn said that the Bush Administration investment in transit will contribute to that forward momentum. “Our economy is strong and getting stronger. And we want to ensure that Pittsburgh and all of Pennsylvania continues to benefit from this national upsurge,” she said.

Briefing Room