For Immediate Release

September 8, 2000

FTA ISSUES FORMAL COMMITMENT
FOR PUGET SOUND LIGHT RAIL PROJECT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Transit Administration [FTA] today issued a "full funding grant agreement" which will assure that funding in future years is allocated for the Puget Sound area’s LINK light rail system, U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks said Friday.

        The congressman, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said he learned from an FTA Commissioner that the agency has signed a letter of commitment toward the project, designating $500 million of federal funding to be expended over the next five years.

        "This is an enormously significant step in the process, making it far easier for our congressional delegation to seek funding in future years for the critically-needed Puget Sound area transportation system," said Rep. Dicks.

        "When the FTA issues a full funding grant agreement, it signifies that the project has met or exceeded all of the major criteria for urban transit solutions, which include substantial local participation. It is a ‘seal of approval’ that will place the LINK Light Rail project at the top of the list for federal assistance," Dicks added.

        The designation by the FTA is being sent to Congress next week as part of a routine 60-day review period, Dicks said.

        "Today’s decision cements the federal commitment to this project," Dicks noted.

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