Washington, D.C. -- A key U.S. House subcommittee this evening approved Rep. Neil Abercrombie’s funding request for Honolulu’s rail transit project, signaling continued federal support of the city’s planned system.

The funding through the Federal Transit Administration totals $4 million and is included in the 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, which was approved by the House Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee in Washington, D.C.

“The support in Washington, D.C. that Hawaii’s congressional delegation has received for the rail project has been steadfast—and growing with the arrival of Peter Rogoff, the Obama Administration’s new head at the Federal Transportation Administration, who has expressed his strong support for Honolulu’s rail project,” Abercrombie said. “The subcommittee’s action tonight demonstrates the confidence Congress has in Honolulu’s rail project and the commitment our delegation has made in fulfilling its promise to deliver the federal share of funding.”

Abercrombie requested the funds for preliminary engineering, the final Environmental Impact Statement and final project design. Federal funds are expected to cover as much as 40 percent of the project’s total cost. The project received $20 million in federal funds last year and is expected to begin construction later this year.

“Honolulu’s rail project is needed to provide the half-million people who live along the proposed rail corridor between Honolulu and Kapolei with a transportation alternative. The project is also needed now more than ever to provide that alternative and the long-term economic boost the resulting construction and related business activity will generate throughout the community.”}

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