‘The Tide’ Receives $18.9 Million in Federal Funds

FTA Administrator James Simpson and Congressional delegation on hand to make announcement.

Norfolk, VA - On Monday, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) $18.9 million in unobligated FY08 federal funds for The Tide light rail project.

The announcement was made by FTA Administrator James Simpson, with Representatives Robert Scott and Thelma Drake, as part of a tour of the light rail construction site.

“HRT is grateful that the FTA and Congress have concluded that The Tide merits the receipt of these limited funds and for their continued support of the project,” said HRT President/CEO Michael Townes. “These funds will allow us to continue construction of Virginia’s first light rail system and remain on target.”

This is not the first time Administrator Simpson has visited Norfolk for The Tide. Last year, he and Townes sealed an agreement at MacArthur Memorial that committed the federal government to provide 55 percent or $128 million of the total project costs through a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA). The FTA’s award brings HRT’s total FY08 grant to $41.9 million.

The Tide, the 7.4 mile light rail starter line, will run from the Eastern Virginia Medical School to the Norfolk-Virginia Beach border at Newtown Road. It is expected to carry between 6,000-12,000 passengers beginning in January 2010.

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