Sec. Foxx highlights Durham-Orange light-rail in latest stop on transportation investment tour

USDOT

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on Feb. 19 was joined by Rep. G.K. Butterfield and Durham, N.C., Mayor William Bell at an event to highlight the proposed Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project.

The secretary’s visit is part of a four-day, five state bus tour, The GROW AMERICA Express, highlighting the importance of investing in America’s infrastructure and to encourage Congress to act on a long-term transportation bill.

“Projects like the Durham-Orange Light Rail Line will connect Americans to opportunity by improving access to jobs and education while helping to spur economic development in growing communities like Durham, Chapel Hill and across the country,” said Secretary Foxx. “I’m traveling throughout the Southeast this week to highlight projects like this one that show if we invest in a 21st century transportation system, we can grow jobs and the economy – and create a brighter tomorrow for future generations.”

The planned 17.1-mile light-rail line would connect the city of Durham and the town of Chapel Hill, providing a critical link between two central business districts, as well as large medical facilities and universities that serve as major employers for the region.
Triangle Transit is currently conducting planning and environmental review activities for the light-rail line. The agency expects to seek $910.3 million in federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program toward the estimated total project cost of $1.8 billion.