Rogoff tours Cleveland transit station as part of

Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff toured the construction site for the new Puritas Rapid Transit station, a high-capacity rail station that will replace the original one built in 1966.  Puritas is one of the busiest stations along Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s Rapid Red Line. “The Obama Administration's commitment to projects like the Puritas station will help ensure that Cleveland has access to safe, economical and efficient transportation while reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuels,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Investing in Cleveland's transportation infrastructure continues to keep construction workers on the job and the city's economy moving forward.” The $11.6 million station, built with $10.3 million from the FTA and including $5.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, is one of several federally-funded projects around the nation. “These investments are going to mean good jobs right here in Cleveland," Administrator Rogoff said. "Building brand new rail stations like the Puritas station will allow us to revive construction jobs while improving the daily commute for thousands of Cleveland residents for generations to come. This is the way we are going to keep our economy and the RTA moving forward." The project includes a 2,500-square foot main entrance building with a brick grand foyer and a rounded portico outlined in sandstone, a 30-foot tower that houses two elevators that provide access for persons with disabilities and a 130-foot bridge that brings passengers over the Rapid tracks to the boarding platform, and a new 486-space parking lot. The Puritas station project broke ground in May 2009, and is expected to be completed this spring. As part of the kick-off of President Obama’s “Build Week,” Secretary LaHood and Administrator Rogoff announced a $3 billion infusion of formula funds to states, local communities and transit agencies nationwide. The funds provide a boost to communities seeking to build more transit, make repairs to existing bus and rail lines and other capital equipment and ensure transit serving rural areas receives much needed operating funds.