US Transportation Deputy Secretary Announces Federal Funding for MARTA

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Posted 1:45PM on Friday, February 8, 2002

WASHINGTON - U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Michael P. Jackson today announced a grant of $26.7 million in Federal Transportation Administration funds to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). "President Bush has proposed $7.2 billion for the Federal Transit Program as part of the FY '03 budget released earlier this week, further reinforcing this Administration's commitment to public transportation as a strategic investment," said Deputy Secretary Jackson. "MARTA is providing safe, efficient, and reliable transit services for the citizens of Atlanta, while conserving energy and enhancing the environment." The Deputy Secretary was joined at the event by Representatives Saxby Chambliss (GA-8th) and Johnny Isakson (GA-6th), Nathaniel Ford, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, MARTA, and William Moseley, Chairman of the MARTA Board of Directors. The $26.7 million awarded today supports the North Line Extension, a 1.9- mile, two-station addition to the MARTA system that serves a rapidly growing area north of Atlanta, including Perimeter Center and north Fulton County. The funds also support MARTA's purchase of 56 new railcars to support the expanded rail service, as well as the acquisition of eight new 40-foot low- floor, fully accessible compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. The vehicles replace older buses that have reached their useful life, offering cleaner and more attractive transit service for the Atlanta region. The Deputy Secretary made the announcement at the Sandy Springs Station, where he toured the station and rode one of the new MARTA trains bound for Hartsfield Airport. Today's grant announcement brings the total amount of federal funds awarded to the North Line Extension to $329.6 million. Additionally, the President has proposed $16.1 million in his FY '03 budget for completion of the project.