Pryor: Rodell Mollineau (202) 224-2353
Lincoln: Drew Goesl (202) 224-4843
Snyder: Jennifer Oglesby (501) 324-5943
September 9, 2005
Press Release
 

CATA Receives $ 5,977,603 Grant

WASHINGTON, D.C. - United States Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, and Representative Vic Snyder announced today that the Federal Transit Administration has awarded $5,977,603 to the Central Arkansas Transit Authority (CATA) to continue the work of Phase 2 of the Little Rock River Rail Streetcar project.

The River Rail Phase 2 project will connect the River Rail Phase 1 project with approximately 2,600 feet of track to connect two major developments: the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library, and the headquarters and Global Village Center of Heifer Project International (HPI).

“CATA plays an important role in the ongoing development of the River Market area, particularly as downtown Little Rock integrates the Clinton Library and Heifer into our ever-changing community,” Lincoln said. “With this funding, CATA will be able to deliver a tremendous service to local employees and visitors alike.”

“As gas prices continue to increase and traffic congestion escalates, public transportation is becoming a popular option for workers and visitors in central Arkansas,” Senator Pryor said. “I’m pleased CATA will be able to expand its service and accessibility with this funding.”

“Trolleys and trains are part of the future of a vibrant Central Arkansas,” Congressman Vic Snyder said. “This money helps us get on down the track.”

The proposed project will begin at the intersection of Second and Commerce Streets. It will be a “double track” configuration, providing service in each direction in the curb lanes of Third and Commerce Streets between Second and Third Streets. Up to three boarding areas may be located along the proposed route: one near the intersection of Third and Commerce, one within the vicinity of the Presidential Library, and one within the vicinity of HPI. This grant will be used to pay for track installation in the public right of way, two additional railcars, and various support items.

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