RTD FasTracks reassured of $120 million in grants from FTA

The Regional Transportation District in Denver Colo., received reassurance that it will be receiving funding grants for the RTD FasTracks program as originally proposed in the fiscal year 2011 federal budget. The grants, which are made at the Federal Transit Administration's discretion, are from a pool of $1.6 billion approved by congress this year. The West, Gold and East lines are each slated to receive $40 million, for a total of $120 million. FasTracks is RTD's voter-approved transit program to expand rail and bus service throughout the RTD service area. Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff announced in a speech that he plans to move forward with grants for RTD's FasTracks program along with other major transit projects across the nation. "We are excited and pleased that the funding will assist with the RTD's expansion program. And we are grateful for the support we receive from our Congressional Delegation in Washington," said Lee Kemp, Chairman, RTD Board of Directors.