CATS receives FTA approval to enter Gold Line Phase 2 project development
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editorCharlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and the city of Charlotte received approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to enter project development for Phase 2 of the CityLYNX Gold Line.
The approval comes on the heels of Charlotte City Council’s authorization for the city manager’s use of $12 million to advance the project to at least 65 percent. This September, CATS will be able to submit a Small Starts grant application for approximately $63 million to execute the project and be included in the 2016 Presidential Budget, meaning the $12 million spent to advance the design will be eligible for reimbursement upon approval of the grant submission. The $63 million will fund half the project with the rest of the funding coming from an adopted budget ordinance consisting of existing General Community Investment Pay-As-You-Go and Municipal Debt Service Funds.
“We are committed to providing diverse transportation options and increased connectivity for our customers. Entering into Phase 2 is a step in the right direction to increasingly serve the public with transit services that promote a thriving community,” said Carolyn Flowers, CEO of CATS.
Phase 1 of the CiyyLYNX Gold Line is currently under construction and will build 1.5 miles of the proposed 10-mile route. Phase 2 will extend the Phase 1 segment by 2.5 miles.