Subject: Mineta urges full funding for light rail 
Date: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 2:08 PM

Mineta urges full funding for light rail 

Sean Holstege 
The Arizona Republic 
Feb. 8, 2006 12:00 AM 

 

The U.S. Transportation secretary recommended Tuesday that the Valley's
light-rail project receive its full amount of expected funding next
year, a sign that officials think the project is going well.

Norman Mineta said the Federal Transit Administration is seeking $90
million from Congress as construction reimbursements for next fiscal
year. The 20-mile line will run through Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.

Under the so-called new starts program, the government reimburses local
agencies year by year until the terms of a funding agreement are met. 

To date, Uncle Sam has steered $223 million toward its overall $647
million commitment to the Valley Metro Rail project. 

Local sales taxes will contribute $765 million, or 54 percent. 

The total price tag, including financing costs, is $1.4 billion.

The system is scheduled to open for service in late 2008.

Federal Transit Administration managers said the Metro project is
proceeding well.