Federal funding for California light rail extension
0The Department for Transportation has pledged $135 million to the extension of Sacramento’s Blue Line.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has signed off the payment, which will fund a 4.3-mile expansion of the light rail system, linking downtown Sacramento to the South Sacramento County corridor.
The funding represents half of the project’s $270 million total cost.
Officials hope the extended network will relieve congestion on Highway 99 and support Consumnes River College – one of the area’s biggest employers.
Secretary LaHood said: “The Obama Administration is committed to helping the Sacramento area create a modern, efficient transportation network to spur new economic development and reduce congestion in the region.”
Ridership on Sacramento’s existing light rail system rose by 7.4 per cent between 2011 and 2012.
The project will extend the Blue Line from Meadowview Road to Cosumnes River College and includes four new stations at Morrison Creek, Franklin Boulevard, Center Parkway and the college.
