At a press conference hosted by Houston Mayor Annise Parker, METRO's leaders commented on the findings of the Federal Transit Administration's "Buy America" investigation and review of plans to purchase 103 new light rail vehicles.

METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia echoed comments by Mayor Parker that the NEW METRO was committed to resolving issues left over from the previous administration, including the FTA investigation. "We knew there would be challenges and we are attacking them one at a time," Garcia said. "We are changing the culture at METRO to rebuild trust."

Acting President & CEO George Greanias said that the FTA findings provide several positive outcomes, while acknowledging the challenges ahead. "First, the FTA made clear that they support METRO's rail expansion program. Also, they laid out a plan to make funds available to keep the program moving forward. And, they provided a roadmap for how to move forward, including a re-procurement of the rail car contract. It will be a steep climb but we can accomplish it," Greanias said. 



Congress Member Sheila Jackson Lee, who also attended the press conference, expressed strong support among Houston's Congressional delegation to see that METRO ultimately receives the $150 million in the President's FY 2011 proposed budget for rail expansion.

Greanias underscored that construction currently under way on three light-rail lines will continue: the North, Southeast and East End lines. He acknowledged previously that METRO has slowed some work activity on the North and Southeast lines while awaiting funding commitments from the FTA. He also said future construction slowdowns are possible in light of cash constraints. He said a new procurement to purchase rail cars was not directly linked to construction and that it could take up to 20 months to complete and have initial vehicles begin arriving for testing.

"We treat what the FTA says very seriously," Greanias added. "The NEW METRO is committed to building a strong working relationship with the FTA and to build trust."

Finally, Chairman Garcia thanked members of Houston's Congressional delegation who attended a meeting this morning with the FTA, including Congress Members Sheila Jackson Lee, Al Green, Gene Green and John Culberson. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison also sent a representative. "We are truly appreciative of all their hard work on our behalf," Garcia said.


Following additional consultation with project managers, METO officials later said that meeting the October 2013 completion date for the North, Southeast and East End rail lines is not feasible. At this point in time, a delay of up to one year is anticipated to complete construction on the three lines.