FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 12, 2000
Contact: Karen Clarke
Tel.: (202) 366-0787
FTA 26-00
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater Announces Federal Funds for MATA Medical Center Rail Extension
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced $59.7 million in federal funding for the Memphis Area Transit Authority’s Medical Center Rail Extension project.
"Investment in critical mass transit projects such as this is key to rebuilding our cities and creating livable communities, thereby stimulating economic development throughout our nation," said Secretary Slater. "For the many hardworking Americans who live in our metropolitan areas, the payoff is seen in a higher quality of life, better transportation alternatives and communities that are more livable."
This agreement fulfills a pledge made by Vice President Gore in February to enter into this full funding grant agreement, which is the federal government’s commitment to support a transit project over the course of several fiscal years, contingent upon the availability of funds. As funds are appropriated, full funding projects receive priority consideration.
Acting Federal Transit Administrator Nuria I. Fernandez joined Mayor Willie W. Herenton and Memphis transit officials at a signing ceremony in Memphis, Tenn. commemorating the grant. "Transit is no longer just about moving people. It’s about the economic health of our communities and the sustainability of our neighborhoods, said Fernandez. "Transit is about making a difference in people’s lives by providing access to job opportunities, recreation, shopping, health care and other activities needed to improve the quality of life for all people."
Mayor Herenton praised the agreement and added, "The Memphis Area Transit Authority's (MATA) $59 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration for the Medical Center Rail extension is another exciting milestone toward our vision of establishing Memphis as a world class city. As one of only seven cities selected, we find this extremely special and tremendously gratifying."
The U.S. Department of Transportation will contribute $59.7 million of the $74.6 million total cost to construct the 2.5-mile, six-station light rail transit line, which will link the central business district’s Main Street Trolley/Riverfront Loop vintage rail system with the growing Medical Center area east of downtown. The system will serve a mix of commercial, office, and government operations and a new minor league baseball stadium. It will serve the downtown area, where employment is expected to increase by 60 percent by 2020, and two universities.
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