Honolulu Rail Transit to Receive $55 Million This Fiscal
Year
June 22, 2011 — WASHINGTON – The Honolulu Rail Transit project
will receive $55 million from the Federal Transit Administration
for the current fiscal year, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator
Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Colleen
Hanabusa announced today.
The $55 million in New Starts funding is identical to the amount
requested in President Obama’s FY2011 budget.
The level of funding Honolulu received is significant since the
total amount of funds for New Starts for FY 2011 was reduced from
the $1.998 billion level enacted in FY 2010 to $1.597 billion, a
20% or $401 million reduction in the total program.
“I am very pleased that the federal government recognizes the
importance of this critical transportation project. Federal funds
are hard to come by in the current budget climate and the fact that
Honolulu will receive everything the President asked for is very
encouraging. This project will bring welcome relief to thousands of
commuters who are forced to spend hours in their cars on congested
roadways. We have planned this project and debated its merits for
decades and we must press forward. I remain committed to this
project and will continue to do everything I can to direct federal
funds to the work and ensure its timely completion,” said Senator
Inouye.
“I appreciate the Obama Administration’s continued support of
the Honolulu rail project. Rail will mean shorter commutes, more
time with family, less pollution, and local jobs we truly need.
This federal funding commitment is an important step towards a
better planned Oahu,” said Senator Akaka.
“Today’s announcement shows that, despite the budget battles
going on in Washington, when it comes to projects that will create
jobs, reduce congestion, and create transportation opportunities,
the President and Congress stand with the people of Hawaii.” said
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, a member of the House Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee. “I will continue to work with the
rest of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation to ensure that we receive
the full $1.55 billion in federal funds.”
“These funds are not only a reflection of the federal
government’s continued commitment towards the Honolulu Rail Transit
Project, but it also shows that President Obama and Congress
understand how much Hawaii needs this mass transit option” said
Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa. “This project will ease gridlock on
Oahu’s roadways and help create jobs for our residents. Hawaii’s
Congressional Delegation will continue to work to support this
project.”
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