Washington, DC - Representative Gene Green this week, joined by most members of the Houston Congressional delegation, sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking for his support for both light rail projects. It asks that the Federal Transit Administration issue Early System Work Agreements for both the North and Southeast METRO corridor projects in order to be eligible for funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by the House of Representatives today.
“I am pleased to see that H.R. 1 provides for $1.5 billion in supplemental discretionary grants that will be awarded to state or local governments or transit agencies on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on the country, metropolitan area, or region,” said Green.
The bipartisan letter, led by Rep. Green and signed by Houston area Representatives John Culberson, Al Green, Ted Poe, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Kevin Brady, and Mike McCaul, states that the two Houston projects meet three vital criteria: they are ready to begin construction in less than ninety days, have received environmental clearances, and have received favorable cost effectiveness ratings.
“The North and Southeast lines are important to the people of Houston and our economy. The Houston congressional delegation has a long history of supporting each other’s priority projects, and I look forward to working with my friend, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, on building these lines,” said Rep. John Culberson.
“By investing in these two projects, work can begin quickly, creating thousands of jobs in a region that suffers not only from the current economic conditions but also from the lasting effects of Hurricane Ike,” said Rep. Gene Green. “I look forward to working with the Department of Transportation to see that these two projects receive the attention they deserve.”
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