DOT gives $1.58 billion for transit improvements

U.S. Department of Transportation allocated $1.58 billion for 27 transit projects nationwide that will improve public transportation access for millions of Americans while reducing our dependence on foreign oil and curbing air pollution. "Investing in a modern transportation network is a key part of President Obama's strategy to win the future by out-building and out-competing the rest of the world," said USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood. "America's long-term economic success requires investing now in transportation infrastructure capable of moving people and goods more safely, efficiently and quickly than ever before." Twenty-seven transit projects across America are on a path to receive funding under the New Starts program, through which Federal Transit Administration provides federal support for major capital construction projects such as subways, light rail, streetcars and bus rapid transit. Denver's 13-station Eagle Commuter Rail project will add more than 30 miles of service to Denver's transit system connecting downtown Denver and Denver International Airport to the east with numerous communities in between. The FTA estimates contributing approximately $1 billion towards the $2 billion project which is said to create 5,400 jobs during peak construction. The Central Corridor light-rail project will connect Minnesota's two largest cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, by light rail for the first time. The FTA recently signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement making a long-term financial commitment to the $957 million light rail-line, which will carry 40,000 riders along the 11-mile corridor. The project, which includes 18 new stations and 31 new rail cars, is scheduled to open in 2014. For a full list of projects receiving New Starts funding in 2011, click here .