$900 million light rail deal signed by feds

First such agreement here

David Crossley, Nov 28, 11.

Houston’s light-rail expansion is now cleared to receive $900 million dollars as part of two federal Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGA) - Houston’s first, according to Guidry News:

A special signing ceremony for the grants was held this morning at a rail expansion construction site overlooking downtown. The observation at 800 Burnett St. brought Metro officials together with FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff and a host of elected officials to sign long-awaited FFGAs for the North and Southeast rail lines.

Gilbert Garcia, chairman of the New Metro’s Board of Directors says, “The rail expansion team, Metro Board members, past and present and our entire staff, past and present, should be proud of accomplishing an enormous task. We’ve never lost sight of the prize and finally it is Houston’s. We thank all the community patriots for all their help in making this day happen. This is a major investment in the region that will not only create jobs but boost economic development.”

Metro President & CEO George Greanias says “The $900 million federal grants more than double the local dollars being used to construct the 5.3 mile North (Red) extension* and the 6.6 mile Southeast (Purple)* lines and mark the first time rail projects here have received FFGAs. This is a great example of how we can leverage our local dollars to improve mobility in the region.” MORE

FTA press release
Houston Chronicle
ABC 13
Dallas Morning News