Houston’s University light rail marks federal milestone
Written by jrood
The NEW METRO in Houston has received good news in the form of a federal Record of Decision on the University light-rail line, signifying final approval of the environmental review process on this 11.3-mile project. With this approval, METRO will continue to evolve the design, engineering, utility coordination, pre-construction planning work and ongoing FTA coordination needed to go forward while renewing community outreach efforts to make sure the public continues to be engaged in this historic project.
The University light-rail
line is part of a regional transit plan serving the area via 19 stations
between the Hillcroft and Eastwood Transit Centers with stops near Greenway
Plaza, the University of St. Thomas, Texas Southern University and UH Central
Campus. This project is part of a five-line rail plan that includes the East
End, North, Uptown and Southeast Lines. The East End, North, and Southeast
lines are under construction, while the Uptown line is in the design phase.
METRO Chairman Gilbert
Garcia praised the ongoing efforts of Houston’s Congressional leaders for
supporting rail expansion and working to secure federal funds.
"The environmental
approval on the University Line puts us one big step forward in the federal
funding process," Garcia said. "The Houston region owes a debt of gratitude to
leaders like Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, as well as Representatives
Sheila Jackson Lee, Gene Green and Al Green for their tireless efforts to fund
light rail expansion in Houston."
George Greanias, Acting
President and CEO of METRO, says the agency is committed to responsible
stewardship of the public’s transit dollars. "We appreciate all the work
required to win federal funding: from Congressional and community leaders to
the METRO staff. Houston clearly needs the University Line as an East-West
transit artery. We’re extremely gratified the FTA has taken a big step in
advancing this important project."
