President’s budget includes $1.82 billion for 27 major transit projects
Written by jrood
On Feb.1, President Obama proposed $1.82 billion in funding for 27 major transit construction projects that will create jobs and increase transportation options throughout the United States.
"These projects, planned
and developed at the state and local level, are crucial investments that will
boost economic vitality in cities and towns across the country," said U.S.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "From New York City to Honolulu and areas
in between, these projects will create jobs, diversify local transit options
for consumers, and stimulate economic activity at a critical juncture in our
continuing recovery."
The spending plan included
in President Obama’s Budget submitted to Congress Feb. 1 announces
recommendations to invest $834.6 million in 19 new transit
construction projects-10
of which are new funding recommendations in FY 2011, and 9 of which have been
recommended for funding in previous years, but still await construction grant
agreements. The plan also provides $924.6 million for the continued funding of
eight projects already under construction in New York, Dallas, Denver, Salt
Lake City, Seattle and Northern Virginia.
"Projects like these are at
the very heart of President Obama’s agenda to clean up our environment, reduce
our dependence on oil from overseas, and put people back to work," said Federal
Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff. "They will give our citizens a way out of
punishing traffic jams and improve their quality of life."
