For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, August 20, 2002

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray today applauded the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) approval of the final design for Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, and its decision to forgo a hold on $49 million to complete the project. The decision is an important step towards putting Light Rail back on track to receiving vital federal support.

"Sound Transit is an important piece of the overall solution to the traffic woes in the Puget Sound," Senator Murray said. "Today's approval of a final design and the commitment to release critically needed funds shows that Light Rail is moving in the right direction."

In January of 2001, the FTA approved a $500 million Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) to complete construction of the 14-mile Initial Segment of the Central Link Light Rail. That money was held in abeyance along with previously approved funds due to concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inspector General and members of Congress. Today's approval of the final project design is an important step toward finalizing a new FFGA.

"I am particularly pleased with the hard work and cooperation of the new leadership at Sound Transit – their dedication has put this project back on track. Secretary Mineta and the FTA deserve special thanks for working with Sound Transit and Congress to keep this project moving forward," Murray said.