FTA 26-02
Friday, September 27, 2002
Contact: Gail Taylor
Tel.:
(202) 366-4043
DOT Announces $59.4 Million to the Metropolitan Transit
Development Board in San Diego, CA
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, today announced a $59.4
million grant in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds to the Metropolitan
Transit Development Board in San Diego, CA for the Mission Valley East Light
Rail Transit extension.
“President Bush has proposed $7.2 billion for the Federal
Transit Program as part of the FY 2003 budget, further reinforcing the
Administration’s commitment to efficient public transportation as a strategic
investment,” said Secretary Mineta. “This
grant strengthens that commitment and will help the Metropolitan Transit
Development Board provide safe and reliable transit services to the residents of
San Diego and surrounding areas.”
The grant awarded today, in the amount of $59,400,785, will
fund the Mission Valley East Light Rail Transit extension.
The project will extend the San Diego Trolley system 5.9 miles along the
I-8 corridor eastward from the current Blue Line Mission San Diego station in
San Diego to the Grossmont Center station in La Mesa for a connection with the
Orange Line. In addition, four new
stations will be built at Grantville, San Diego State University, Alvarado
Medical Center and 70th Street.
The project also includes the purchase of 11 new light rail vehicles.
Service is scheduled to begin in 2005 and by 2015 the project is expected
to serve 10,800 daily riders.
With today’s grant, and a previous FTA commitment of $53,312,430, the total amount of federal funds provided to date is $112,713,215.
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