For Immediate Release

July 11, 2003

COMMENT FROM U.S. REP. NORM DICKS REGARDING
APPROVAL OF FUNDS FOR PENDING LIGHT RAIL PROJECTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks expressed confidence that the Sound Transit light rail project will receive funding through a special allocation created today by the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee.

            The panel specifically allocated funds for several continuing rail transit projects across the nation that have already received authorization or official commitment from the U.S. Department of Transportation.  In addition, the subcommittee reserved a substantial portion of transit funding -- $183 million -- for projects that are awaiting federal funding commitments -- including light rail projects in Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Seattle.

            "Since we understand that the 'Full Funding Grant Agreement' from the Federal Transit Administration will be transmitted to Congress within a few days, I am confident that the Sound Transit project will qualify for funding within the amount that has been reserved," said Rep. Dicks.   He noted that the Sound Transit project was one of only two "new start" projects that was rated as "highly recommended" by the Bush Administration, and that the project has a very favorable proportion of local funding -- 80 percent.

            Rep. Dicks said he will also be working with Senator Patty Murray, the ranking Democratic member of the Senate transportation appropriations subcommittee, to assure that the project will be specifically included when the Senate panel considers its version of the transportation spending bill for the next fiscal year later this summer.

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