Feds sign commitment giving $1 billion to Denver FasTracks
Written by jrood
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signed an agreement committing $1 billion to Denver's Eagle P3, a 30-mile two-pronged commuter rail project that will expand transportation choices in the greater Denver area, create jobs and cut nearly half the amount of time it now takes to get from downtown Denver to the airport. Secretary LaHood signed the funding agreement at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gold Line in Olde Town Arvada, alongside Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter, U.S. Representative Diana DeGette, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and other area officials. The federal funding agreement covers roughly half of the $2 billion cost of the entire project, which is expected to generate roughly 4,700 construction-related jobs in the Denver metro area. The agreement clears the way for construction to begin on the western segment of Eagle P3, also known as the Gold Line, which will serve the suburbs of Arvada and Wheat Ridge. The East Line of Eagle P3, which has already begun construction using local funds, will run from Denver's historic Union Station nearly 23 miles east to Denver International Airport and will connect to existing light rail and bus service. "Denver and its suburbs are executing one of the most ambitious and far-reaching public transportation programs in the country, one that will allow millions of Coloradans to enjoy new and improved access to transit right in their neighborhoods," Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff said. "This will give working families more reliable, affordable transportation that will allow them to spend more time at home and less money at the gas pump."
