FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 18, 2000
Contact: Gail Taylor
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
FTA 28-00
DOT Enters Into Full Funding Grant Agreement with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater, along with U.S. Senators Paul Sarbanes and Barbara Mikulski and U.S. Representatives Albert Wynn and Steny Hoyer, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration will enter into a full funding grant agreement (FFGA) with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to help extend Metrorail's Blue Line from Addison Road to Largo in Prince George's County, Md.
This means that Metrorail will receive $260 million in federal funding, pending availability of funds, toward the estimated $433 million cost of the 3.1 mile rail extension.
"Mass transit is a key to rebuilding our cities and relieving congestion in communities all across America in the 21st century," Secretary Slater said. "This full funding grant agreement continues President Clinton and Vice President Gore's commitment to investment in mass transit - important mass transit projects like this will stimulate economic development and help create livable communities."
Senator Sarbanes added, "Providing transportation opportunities and commuting alternatives for all Marylanders are critical components of our State’s economic development and environmental protection plans. This extension will stretch the Blue Line beyond the Beltway in Prince George’s County, currently the only segment of the Metro system that does not reach the Beltway, and provide easy access to commuters."
"I am committed to looking out for the day-to-day needs of Marylanders and the long range needs of the region," said Senator Mikulski. "By extending Metrorail service in Prince George’s County we do just that – this extension will help reduce congestion on roads throughout the metropolitan area and provide an easy, safe, and efficient way for workers and tourists to move throughout the Washington area. That’s why I’ve worked with Secretary Slater and the Maryland delegation to ensure the success of this project."
"Supporting mass transit is critical for several reasons, including cutting down on traffic congestion, expanding economic opportunities and creating more livable neighborhoods," said Congressman Steny Hoyer. "Expanding the Blue Line in Prince George’s County is another installment in what I hope will be a major commitment by the Federal Government to improving mass transit in Maryland."
Congressman Wynn added, "The importance of this project to my constituents in the 4th Congressional District, and to the entire Washington, DC metropolitan area, cannot be overstated. This project will improve access to jobs and provide enhanced transit service to the entire region. The additional Metro access will greatly reduce traffic congestion on Central Avenue, MD 214, which is a major artery into Washington, D.C. In addition, a metro station in Largo Town Center would be an economic development hub for this area in Prince George’s County."
"The proposed new stations out to Largo, Maryland, provide for the future transportation needs of this community. As we continue to plan for the expansion of the Metrorail system, these stations and the entire Metrorail system stand as the remarkable centerpieces in the region’s public transportation infrastructure. The announcement today is a win for Metro, a win for the citizens of Prince George’s County, and a win for the entire region," stated Decatur Trotter, Metro Board Member representing Prince George’s County.
In addition to the rail extension, two new stations will be provided, one at Summerfield with 500 park-and-ride spaces, and one at Largo Town Center with 2,200 park-and-ride spaces. Both stations also will have kiss-and-ride spaces.
Several WMATA and Prince George’s County bus routes will connect to the two new stations; shuttle bus service is proposed between both stations and the FedEx Field. The project will also directly serve the USAir Arena, a former major sports complex planned for entertainment and retail uses.
The extension is expected to open for service by September 2004, with estimated average weekday ridership to be 28,500 in 2020.
A full funding grant agreement 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, the full funding projects receive priority consideration.
# # #