The Federal Transit Administration signed five Recovery Act Grant Agreements totaling to $179.2 million. The benefiting cities are Detroit, Mich., New Orleans, La., Tucson, Ariz., Dallas, Texas and Portland Ore.

Detroit:
The proposed Woodward Avenue Light Rail project in Detroit is a step closer to reality thanks to a signed grant agreement between the FTA, the city of Detroit, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. The project received $25 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.
“Building this light rail system will create jobs for this great American city, and it will stimulate long-term economic growth by attracting investment to downtown Detroit and the New Center area,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.



New Orleans:
Progress continues on the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal/Loyola Loop Streetcar project thanks to a signed grant agreement between the FTA and the New Orleans Regional Transportation Authority. The project received $45 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.

“This Recovery Act money means more jobs for workers in New Orleans, and greater access to the central business district, where the jobs are,” Secretary LaHood said. “And for those traveling outside the city, it will provide a seamless link to Amtrak trains, as well.”

Tucson:
Tucson’s Modern Streetcar project received a boost from a signed grant agreement between the FTA and the city of Tucson. The project received $63 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.

“Investments like Tucson’s Modern Streetcar project are at the heart of President Obama's efforts to create jobs and give people access to convenient, affordable transportation options,” said Secretary LaHood. “This Recovery Act money will help give people greater access to Tucson’s employment centers like the University of Arizona.”

Dallas:
The much anticipated Downtown Dallas Streetcar project is a step closer to reality as the result of a grant agreement signed by the FTA and the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The project received $23 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.

“The Dallas streetcar project is another great example of how the Recovery Act is creating jobs and providing accessible transportation,” Secretary LaHood said.  “Residents will soon be able to take the streetcar to work or shopping downtown.  It will also provide a direct connection to light rail and commuter rail at Union Station.”

Portland:
Reconstruction of Moody Avenue in the South Waterfront area of Portland, Ore., will soon begin thanks to a grant agreement between the City of Portland and the FTA. The project received $23.2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s TIGER program.
 


“This innovative transit project will not only create jobs and streamline transportation on Southwest Moody Avenue, but it will also transform an area that was once deemed an environmental hazard into an engine of economic growth,” said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff.