Honolulu Rail Transit project will receive $55 million in federal funding during 2011
Written by jrood
The Honolulu Rail Transit project will receive $55 million from the Federal Transit Administration for the current fiscal year according to a statement from Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye, Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka, Hawaii Second District U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and Hawaii First District U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. "This is excellent news and a testament to the strength of Honolulu's rail project. The fact that, in a climate of cutbacks, Honolulu's project was able to get the full $55 million speaks volumes about the federal support for this project. This is a major achievement and positions us well for future funding requests and we are grateful to Hawaii's Congressional delegation for their support," said Hawaii Mayor Peter Carlisle. The $55 million in New Starts funding is identical to the amount requested in President Obama's FY2011 budget. This is significant because the total amount of funds for Honolulu's New Starts for FY 2011 was reduced from the $1.998 billion level enacted in FY 2010 to $1.597 billion, a 20% reduction in the total program. "This project will bring welcome relief to thousands of commuters who are forced to spend hours in their cars on congested roadways. We have planned this project and debated its merits for decades and we must press forward. I remain committed to this project and will continue to do everything I can to direct federal funds to the work and ensure its timely completion," said Senator Inouye.
