[Colorado-talk] Two FasTracks projects targets in federal budget

[Nehemiah Hall]

From the Denver Post:

Two FasTracks projects targets in federal budget


Two key FasTracks projects are included in President Barrack Obama's 2016 budget, which aims to pump $478 billion for highway, bridge and transit upgrades across the country.

Targeting $165 million for the Eagle P3 project and $92 million for the Southeast Rail Extension shows how important the two rail projects are to the state and region, say Regional Transportation District officials.

"These funds are so integral to us being able to complete several of our key FasTracks projects," said RTD Board Chairman Chuck Sisk. "This is very gratifying that the federal government continues to have such confidence in RTD as good stewards of federal tax dollars."

The $165 million is part of the $1.03 billion Federal Transit Administration grant. The Eagle P3 project includes the East Rail and Gold lines, the first segment of the Northwest Rail Line to Westminster, the purchase of 54 commuter rail cars and a commuter-rail maintenance facility, all headed for completion in 2016.

The East Rail Line is a 22.8-mile electric commuter-rail corridor between Denver's Union Station and Denver International Airport.

The $92 million for the Southeast Rail Extension is among the projects recommended for future federal New Starts grants, said FasTracks spokeswoman Pauletta Tonilas.

The Southeast Rail Line includes 19.1 miles of light rail through the south metro area.

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Congress will vote on the final budget bill this year. Funding for the RTD projects will be a key feature in the president's plan to rebuild the country's highways and rail systems, said Phil Washington, RTD's general manager and CEO.

"This is a huge step not only for RTD but for the whole country as we work to secure increased funding for our nation's transportation infrastructure," Washington said.

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