July 19, 2018
The FTA issued these two regulations: PTASP requires certain rail and bus operators to develop safety plans to better manage their safety risk using Safety Management Systems. The Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) final rule establishes a basic curriculum for rail transit safety personnel responsible for the safety oversight of rail transit systems.
Showing posts with label FTA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FTA. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Federal Court Approves EEOC Subpoena in Investigation of Union Pacific
Agency Can Use Subpoena to Continue Investigation of Discrimination Even After Complainants' Private Lawsuit Has Been Dismissed
As indicated in the court's written decision, the EEOC's investigation began when two African-Americans filed charges alleging that Union Pacific had denied them promotions to assistant signal person positions because of their race. The EEOC learned that Union Pacific had not promoted a black employee into any of the 10 assistant signal person positions filled in the complainants' district in 2011.
While the EEOC investigated, the complainants filed a private lawsuit, which was dismissed in July 2014. The EEOC continued to investigate the possibility of class-wide discrimination, but Union Pacific refused to comply with two EEOC subpoenas. The EEOC filed actions to enforce the subpoenas.
On May 1, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman ruled in the EEOC's favor for a second time and ordered the parties to appear at a June 4 conference to discuss remaining enforcement issues. (EEOC v. Union Pacific R.R. Co., Case No. 2:14-mc-00052 (E.D.Wis. May 1, 2015)).
In his decision, Judge Adelman made several key rulings. First, federal law does not support Union Pacific's argument that an EEOC investigation must end when a private lawsuit is filed or concluded; the EEOC has authority to decide how it will use its resources-including determining to continue to pursue the matter.
Second, the EEOC does not simply represent the interests of private parties; it also represents the "public interest." Third, it is irrelevant that the complainants only alleged individual discrimination, because EEOC may challenge any discrimination that it discovers while investigating the claims in a charge. Thus, the July 2014 dismissal of the private claims did not deprive the EEOC of authority to investigate the possibility of a pattern or practice of discrimination.
Judge Adelman also rejected Union Pacific's argument that he should deny enforcement of the EEOC's subpoena because the amount of information it sought. The judge noted that he could modify or exclude portions of the agency's subpoena only if Union Pacific showed that the subpoena was unduly burdensome or unreasonably broad, but that Union Pacific had not made such a showing.
Finally, he rejected Union Pacific's argument that the subpoena should be dismissed because the EEOC had dragged its feet in investigating the charges. He held that Union Pacific was responsible for some of the delay because it refused to cooperate with the two EEOC subpoenas, which forced the EEOC to petition the district court to enforce them.
"This is an important ruling because it underscores that, once the EEOC receives a charge, it has the authority to further investigate that issue to see if the alleged violations are more widespread," said Julianne Bowman, director of the EEOC's Chicago District Office.
According to the EEOC, this is the second subpoena its Chicago District Office has sought to enforce during its investigation of these charges. Less than two years ago, in the first enforcement action, Union Pacific agreed to produce its 'Skilled Craft Battery Test' and test validation study after Judge Adelman denied its motion to dismiss for improper venue. (EEOC v. Union Pacific R.R., No. 13-mc-0022 (E.D. Wis., Aug. 6, 2013))."
John Hendrickson, the EEOC regional attorney in Chicago said, "Apparently, Union Pacific did not get the message which should have been clear from Judge Adelman's first decision. Now, the railroad has spent years investing resources in fighting the EEOC, but has still arrived at no better place. All employers can learn from this case: Refusing to comply with an EEOC subpoena is virtually always a losing proposition and does not advance the employer's interests."
Union Pacific has its corporate headquarters in Omaha, Neb. Its website states that the railroad has 47,000 employees in 23 states across the western two-thirds of the United States.
Source: EEOC
This information is intended to be educational and should not be considered legal advice on any specific matter.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Federal Transit Administration Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Landmark law strengthened nation’s access to public transportation systems
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Urban Mass Transportation Act, signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 to achieve, in his words, “better systems for getting our people to work and home again—and getting them there with speed and safety and economy and comfort.”
“Fifty years ago, Congress and President Johnson took action to bolster our nation’s public transit systems at a time when more and better transportation choices were desperately needed in America’s cities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Today, with transit ridership growing nationwide—in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike—our GROW AMERICA Act is another historic opportunity to usher in a new era for public transportation.”
The Act, signed into law on July 9, 1964, created the foundation for the federal, state and local partnerships that have improved and expanded the nation’s public transportation systems—establishing a program of federal financial assistance that creates ladders of opportunity for millions of Americans daily in metropolitan and rural areas.
“Over the last half century, we have seen the enormous benefits of federal investments in public transportation in cities from Boston to San Diego, in rural communities from Nebraska to Missouri—all of which spur billions of dollars in economic development and create much-needed transportation choices,” said Deputy Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan. “Continued investments in public transportation will create jobs, revitalize communities, and create new opportunities for hard-working families.”
The landmark 1964 Act provided $375 million in capital assistance over a three-year period for established bus, rail, and streetcar systems. The first round of grants helped the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to modernize its rail stations, the City of Cleveland to extend rail service to Hopkins International Airport, and the City of Vallejo, California, to purchase new transit buses. The bill also laid the groundwork for establishing the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, the agency that would later become known as the FTA.
Source: FTA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Urban Mass Transportation Act, signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 to achieve, in his words, “better systems for getting our people to work and home again—and getting them there with speed and safety and economy and comfort.”
“Fifty years ago, Congress and President Johnson took action to bolster our nation’s public transit systems at a time when more and better transportation choices were desperately needed in America’s cities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Today, with transit ridership growing nationwide—in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike—our GROW AMERICA Act is another historic opportunity to usher in a new era for public transportation.”
The Act, signed into law on July 9, 1964, created the foundation for the federal, state and local partnerships that have improved and expanded the nation’s public transportation systems—establishing a program of federal financial assistance that creates ladders of opportunity for millions of Americans daily in metropolitan and rural areas.
“Over the last half century, we have seen the enormous benefits of federal investments in public transportation in cities from Boston to San Diego, in rural communities from Nebraska to Missouri—all of which spur billions of dollars in economic development and create much-needed transportation choices,” said Deputy Federal Transit Administrator Therese McMillan. “Continued investments in public transportation will create jobs, revitalize communities, and create new opportunities for hard-working families.”
The landmark 1964 Act provided $375 million in capital assistance over a three-year period for established bus, rail, and streetcar systems. The first round of grants helped the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to modernize its rail stations, the City of Cleveland to extend rail service to Hopkins International Airport, and the City of Vallejo, California, to purchase new transit buses. The bill also laid the groundwork for establishing the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, the agency that would later become known as the FTA.
Source: FTA
This information is intended to be
educational and should not be considered legal advice on any specific matter.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Federal Transit Administration Awards $646,500 to Help Veterans, Military Families Access Transportation Services in New Mexico
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today obligated two grants totaling $646,500 to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and the Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) to help veterans and their families find affordable rides to work, school, medical care and other destinations in central and northern New Mexico. FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff, joined by local officials and veterans, made the announcement at the New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial near Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque.
“Ensuring that our veterans and military families have access to quality, convenient transportation is just one way we can thank them for their service,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “In New Mexico and across the country, we’re helping to provide the men and women who have served our country with the jobs and training opportunities they deserve, as well as access to the medical care and other services they need.”
FTA first announced the selection of the two New Mexico projects in July 2012 and today’s announcement marks the official release of the funds to NMDOT and MRCOG. NMDOT is receiving $364,000 to upgrade a regional call center in the Santa Fe area and MRCOG is receiving $282,500 to launch a new web site in Albuquerque. Both efforts will provide one-call or one-click access to information that makes it easy for veterans, military families and others to arrange and connect to transportation options throughout the state.
“Santa Fe, Albuquerque and the surrounding counties are home to roughly 155,000 veterans and thousands more active duty military personnel and families who need and deserve access to reliable transportation options to get to work, medical care and other destinations,” said Administrator Rogoff. “This investment will also ensure that spouses and children of deployed service members have access to transportation options here at home while their loved ones are stationed abroad.”
MRCOG is working with a number of local partners to develop and implement the new transportation web site, expected to launch next year. The site will consolidate information that is currently fragmented and difficult to navigate into one web site that offers easy access to various transportation services throughout the Albuquerque region.
NMDOT is working with the North Central Regional Transit District to purchase software that will help provide a more accurate way to schedule on-demand service for people with disabilities and wheelchair users, including veterans. In addition, NMDOT is working with the City of Santa Fe to upgrade the city’s existing transportation call center. The upgrades will enable callers to obtain real-time information on NMDOT Park & Ride bus stop arrivals and will also improve access for people with disabilities.
The Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative was developed by the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility, a permanent partnership of federal departments working together to better coordinate federal programs on behalf of people with disabilities, older adults and individuals with lower incomes. The Council is chaired by Secretary LaHood.
The grants are provided through the FTA Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative, which, including the grants obligated today, awarded $63.6 million in Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012 for 119 innovative projects serving veterans and others around the country.
Source: FTA
“Ensuring that our veterans and military families have access to quality, convenient transportation is just one way we can thank them for their service,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “In New Mexico and across the country, we’re helping to provide the men and women who have served our country with the jobs and training opportunities they deserve, as well as access to the medical care and other services they need.”
FTA first announced the selection of the two New Mexico projects in July 2012 and today’s announcement marks the official release of the funds to NMDOT and MRCOG. NMDOT is receiving $364,000 to upgrade a regional call center in the Santa Fe area and MRCOG is receiving $282,500 to launch a new web site in Albuquerque. Both efforts will provide one-call or one-click access to information that makes it easy for veterans, military families and others to arrange and connect to transportation options throughout the state.
“Santa Fe, Albuquerque and the surrounding counties are home to roughly 155,000 veterans and thousands more active duty military personnel and families who need and deserve access to reliable transportation options to get to work, medical care and other destinations,” said Administrator Rogoff. “This investment will also ensure that spouses and children of deployed service members have access to transportation options here at home while their loved ones are stationed abroad.”
MRCOG is working with a number of local partners to develop and implement the new transportation web site, expected to launch next year. The site will consolidate information that is currently fragmented and difficult to navigate into one web site that offers easy access to various transportation services throughout the Albuquerque region.
NMDOT is working with the North Central Regional Transit District to purchase software that will help provide a more accurate way to schedule on-demand service for people with disabilities and wheelchair users, including veterans. In addition, NMDOT is working with the City of Santa Fe to upgrade the city’s existing transportation call center. The upgrades will enable callers to obtain real-time information on NMDOT Park & Ride bus stop arrivals and will also improve access for people with disabilities.
The Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative was developed by the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility, a permanent partnership of federal departments working together to better coordinate federal programs on behalf of people with disabilities, older adults and individuals with lower incomes. The Council is chaired by Secretary LaHood.
The grants are provided through the FTA Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative, which, including the grants obligated today, awarded $63.6 million in Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012 for 119 innovative projects serving veterans and others around the country.
Source: FTA
This information is intended to be
educational and should not be considered legal advice on any specific matter.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Federal Transit Deputy Administrator McMillan Celebrates Updated, Fully ADA-Compliant Primos Rail Station Near Philadelphia
Federal Transit Deputy Administrator Therese McMillan today attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly modernized and rehabilitated Primos Station—a busy transit rail station in suburban Philadelphia’s Clifton Heights neighborhood that is part of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system. The station upgrades include making the station compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and adding parking spaces for commuters.
“All across the United States, this Administration is committed to bringing aging transit facilities like SEPTA’s Primos Station into a state of good repair,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Investing in our nation’s public transportation infrastructure improves access to jobs, reduces congestion on our roadways, and keeps our economy moving forward.”
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provided approximately $5.2 million toward the $8.3 million project. The remaining funds were provided by state and local government. The station, which hosts roughly 700 rail transit trips each week day, is served by SEPTA’s Media/Elwyn Regional Rail Line, as well as the Route 107 bus. Improvements include a new inbound station building with ticket office and waiting area, new high-level accessible platforms and ADA-compliant stairways and ramps with handrails and guard rails. Other improvements include a modern new passenger shelter, new bike racks and new platform lighting and signage. The project also expands an existing parking lot adjacent to the station along Secane Avenue, which will add 55 new parking spaces upon completion later this summer.
“These improvements on one of the nation’s oldest transit rail lines make it easier, safer and more convenient than ever for commuters, seniors, families with young children, people with disabilities and others to take the train downtown to get to work, to visit shops and restaurants and to reach other destinations,” said FTA Deputy Administrator McMillan.
Since 2009, FTA has awarded approximately $1.06 billion to SEPTA for a range of transit rail and bus projects to bring one of the nation’s largest and oldest transit systems into a state of good repair. This includes funds for renovating Wayne Junction Substation and major transit stations—such as City Hall, Girard, and Spring Garden stations—and replacing aging commuter rail vehicles.
Source: FTA
“All across the United States, this Administration is committed to bringing aging transit facilities like SEPTA’s Primos Station into a state of good repair,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Investing in our nation’s public transportation infrastructure improves access to jobs, reduces congestion on our roadways, and keeps our economy moving forward.”
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provided approximately $5.2 million toward the $8.3 million project. The remaining funds were provided by state and local government. The station, which hosts roughly 700 rail transit trips each week day, is served by SEPTA’s Media/Elwyn Regional Rail Line, as well as the Route 107 bus. Improvements include a new inbound station building with ticket office and waiting area, new high-level accessible platforms and ADA-compliant stairways and ramps with handrails and guard rails. Other improvements include a modern new passenger shelter, new bike racks and new platform lighting and signage. The project also expands an existing parking lot adjacent to the station along Secane Avenue, which will add 55 new parking spaces upon completion later this summer.
“These improvements on one of the nation’s oldest transit rail lines make it easier, safer and more convenient than ever for commuters, seniors, families with young children, people with disabilities and others to take the train downtown to get to work, to visit shops and restaurants and to reach other destinations,” said FTA Deputy Administrator McMillan.
Since 2009, FTA has awarded approximately $1.06 billion to SEPTA for a range of transit rail and bus projects to bring one of the nation’s largest and oldest transit systems into a state of good repair. This includes funds for renovating Wayne Junction Substation and major transit stations—such as City Hall, Girard, and Spring Garden stations—and replacing aging commuter rail vehicles.
Source: FTA
This information is intended to be
educational and should not be considered legal advice on any specific matter.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Federal Transit Administrator on Hand to Celebrate Completion of Columbus Plaza Rehabilitation Project, Improved Access to Union Station
Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff today attended the ribbon cutting for the completed renovation of Union Station’s Columbus Plaza, a $10.8 million project that received nearly $5.9 million in funding from the Department’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Administrator Rogoff was joined at the ceremony by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and others.
“Union Station is the gateway to our nation’s capital and an important part of President Obama’s vision for a revitalized Northeast Corridor,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This investment in Columbus Plaza is part of a long-term effort to transform Union Station into a transportation hub that’s ready to provide 21st century rail services to meet the needs of millions of travelers who pass through this station each year.”
FTA funding helped provide roadway, sidewalk and security improvements, and new traffic patterns that improve access to the station for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit buses, taxis, tour buses and private vehicles. The remaining costs were covered by the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), the National Park Service, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Amtrak.
“In operation for more than a century, Union Station is the second busiest intercity rail hub in the nation and the busiest station in the D.C. Metrorail system,” said Administrator Rogoff. “We must continue to invest in modernizing and upgrading transit facilities like this one across the country, to meet rising demand for safe, reliable, and efficient transit choices.”
The Columbus Plaza project is one of several initiatives that will continue to position Union Station as a cutting edge multi-modal transportation hub and unique retail destination. Amtrak announced in 2012 a Master Plan to transform Union Station over the next 20 years into a world-class facility with expanded capacity for future high-speed, intercity and commuter rail improvements. In addition, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is working with Amtrak and USRC to expand Metrorail station capacity and design improvements to the 1st Street entrance to provide a direct link to intercity bus service and new streetcar service. DDOT expects to begin operating the streetcar along H Street and Benning Road in late 2013.
President Obama’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014 includes $9 billion in immediate transportation investments to bring aging transit facilities around the nation into a state of good repair through the Administration’s “Fix it First” initiative.
Source: FTA
“Union Station is the gateway to our nation’s capital and an important part of President Obama’s vision for a revitalized Northeast Corridor,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This investment in Columbus Plaza is part of a long-term effort to transform Union Station into a transportation hub that’s ready to provide 21st century rail services to meet the needs of millions of travelers who pass through this station each year.”
FTA funding helped provide roadway, sidewalk and security improvements, and new traffic patterns that improve access to the station for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit buses, taxis, tour buses and private vehicles. The remaining costs were covered by the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), the National Park Service, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Amtrak.
“In operation for more than a century, Union Station is the second busiest intercity rail hub in the nation and the busiest station in the D.C. Metrorail system,” said Administrator Rogoff. “We must continue to invest in modernizing and upgrading transit facilities like this one across the country, to meet rising demand for safe, reliable, and efficient transit choices.”
The Columbus Plaza project is one of several initiatives that will continue to position Union Station as a cutting edge multi-modal transportation hub and unique retail destination. Amtrak announced in 2012 a Master Plan to transform Union Station over the next 20 years into a world-class facility with expanded capacity for future high-speed, intercity and commuter rail improvements. In addition, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is working with Amtrak and USRC to expand Metrorail station capacity and design improvements to the 1st Street entrance to provide a direct link to intercity bus service and new streetcar service. DDOT expects to begin operating the streetcar along H Street and Benning Road in late 2013.
President Obama’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014 includes $9 billion in immediate transportation investments to bring aging transit facilities around the nation into a state of good repair through the Administration’s “Fix it First” initiative.
Source: FTA
This information is intended to be
educational and should not be considered legal advice on any specific matter.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
FTA Allocates Funds to Reimburse Transit Agencies Recovering from Hurricane Sandy
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the allocation of nearly $390 million in FY 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act funds to reimburse the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. (PATH). The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) received a smaller reimbursement for expenses incurred while preparing for and recovering from Hurricane Sandy.
The Disaster Relief Appropriations Act authorized a total of $10.9 billion, which is now reduced by 5 percent, or $545 million, because of the mandatory budget cuts known as sequestration that took effect on March 1.
“When Hurricane Sandy devastated public transportation systems in New York and New Jersey, President Obama pledged to act swiftly to help restore service for millions of riders and help the region’s transit agencies recover economically,” said Secretary LaHood. “The funds allocated today will offset the emergency expenditures these agencies incurred while taking heroic measures to protect people and equipment and return to normal operations.”
The funds are the first to be allocated as part of the disaster relief package enacted on January 29, 2013, for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program, which allows FTA to make grants for eligible public transportation capital and operating costs in the event of a federally declared disaster. Up to $2 billion of this aid must be made available no later than March 30, 2013. Additional requests for reimbursement will be reviewed on a rolling basis and FTA will announce new funding allocations in the coming days.
“These emergency relief funds are rapidly reimbursing the impacted transit systems following the greatest transit disaster in our nation's history. At the height of the storm, more than 40 percent of our nation’s transit service was suspended.” said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff. “The sooner we reimburse transit systems for the measures taken to minimize the damage and re-establish service, the sooner they can focus on long-term plans to strengthen transit infrastructure and protect against future disasters.”
The $390,079,724 million allocated today will reimburse for labor, materials, and capital costs incurred to protect vehicles, facilities, and infrastructure; conduct emergency operations, including temporary transit service; and make immediate and permanent repairs, as follows:
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
The Disaster Relief Appropriations Act authorized a total of $10.9 billion, which is now reduced by 5 percent, or $545 million, because of the mandatory budget cuts known as sequestration that took effect on March 1.
“When Hurricane Sandy devastated public transportation systems in New York and New Jersey, President Obama pledged to act swiftly to help restore service for millions of riders and help the region’s transit agencies recover economically,” said Secretary LaHood. “The funds allocated today will offset the emergency expenditures these agencies incurred while taking heroic measures to protect people and equipment and return to normal operations.”
The funds are the first to be allocated as part of the disaster relief package enacted on January 29, 2013, for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program, which allows FTA to make grants for eligible public transportation capital and operating costs in the event of a federally declared disaster. Up to $2 billion of this aid must be made available no later than March 30, 2013. Additional requests for reimbursement will be reviewed on a rolling basis and FTA will announce new funding allocations in the coming days.
“These emergency relief funds are rapidly reimbursing the impacted transit systems following the greatest transit disaster in our nation's history. At the height of the storm, more than 40 percent of our nation’s transit service was suspended.” said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff. “The sooner we reimburse transit systems for the measures taken to minimize the damage and re-establish service, the sooner they can focus on long-term plans to strengthen transit infrastructure and protect against future disasters.”
The $390,079,724 million allocated today will reimburse for labor, materials, and capital costs incurred to protect vehicles, facilities, and infrastructure; conduct emergency operations, including temporary transit service; and make immediate and permanent repairs, as follows:
- The New York MTA is receiving $193,136,983 for repair and restoration of the Easter River tunnels; the South Ferry/Whitehall station; the Rockaway line; rail yards, maintenance shops, and other facilities; and heavy rail cars. The funds support work by New York City Transit; the Staten Island, Long Island, and Metro-North railroads; and MTA Bus.
- The PATH is receiving funds for two sets of projects: (1) $141,506,347 for efforts undertaken to address the storm’s catastrophic impact on commuter rail service between New York and New Jersey (including the Hoboken-World Trade Center service and service between Hudson and Essex counties in New Jersey and Manhattan). Funds were expended to set up alternative commuter service; repair electric substations and signal infrastructure; replace and repair rolling stock; and repair maintenance facilities. (2) $54,243,826 for the World Trade Center Hub project, which was inundated by approximately 125 million gallons of tidal water. Recovery efforts included pumping; cleaning up debris; and repairing or replacing damaged and destroyed equipment, such as electrical switchgear and substation equipment.
- SEPTA is receiving $1,192,568 related to securing and protecting transit service serving Philadelphia and the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery prior to the storm; emergency activities during and after the storm to resume service as quickly as possible; and enhanced customer service to communicate with the public when service was suspended or resumed.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
This information is intended to be
educational and should not be considered legal advice on any specific matter.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Administrator Makes $87.3 Million Available to Continue Building SunRail Commuter Rail Line
Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff today visited the construction site of the new Florida Hospital SunRail transit station to highlight the significant economic impact that investments in public transportation can create in Central Florida and in cities and towns across the nation. Administrator Rogoff was joined by Senator Bill Nelson, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, and local officials.
“In his State of the Union Address to the nation earlier this month, President Obama called on us to reignite the true engine of America’s economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class,” said Secretary LaHood. “Investing in transportation projects like Central Florida’s SunRail commuter line is a great way to reignite that engine, and keep the local economy growing.”
The Florida Hospital rail station is one of 12 stations planned for the first phase of Central Florida’s 32-mile SunRail commuter rail line. Construction of the rail line, which parallels the highly congested I-4 corridor in Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties, has put about 800 people to work and has spurred a $250 million investment in a 176-acre Health Village at Florida Hospital that will enable thousands of medical researchers, hospital employees, patients and their families to take transit to work or when seeking medical care. Across the entire rail line, more than two dozen retail, office, government, and residential development projects within a 10-minute walk of new transit stations are planned or under way – representing about $1.6 billion in public and private investments altogether.
“President Obama is committed to making the necessary investments in our transportation infrastructure to grow our economy from the middle class outward and reduce our reliance on foreign oil,” said FTA Administrator Rogoff. “The SunRail commuter line will do just that by connecting residents from DeBary to Sand Lake Road with the jobs and services they need, while opening doors to new opportunities across Central Florida.”
During his visit, Administrator Rogoff announced that $87.3 million has been made available for the Central Florida SunRail project. In July 2011, FTA signed a construction grant agreement committing $178.6 million in New Starts funds, which is 50 percent of the total project cost. Today’s funds bring FTA’s total investment so far to $148.5 million in FY2012 and prior-year New Starts funds.
Source: FTA
“In his State of the Union Address to the nation earlier this month, President Obama called on us to reignite the true engine of America’s economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class,” said Secretary LaHood. “Investing in transportation projects like Central Florida’s SunRail commuter line is a great way to reignite that engine, and keep the local economy growing.”
The Florida Hospital rail station is one of 12 stations planned for the first phase of Central Florida’s 32-mile SunRail commuter rail line. Construction of the rail line, which parallels the highly congested I-4 corridor in Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties, has put about 800 people to work and has spurred a $250 million investment in a 176-acre Health Village at Florida Hospital that will enable thousands of medical researchers, hospital employees, patients and their families to take transit to work or when seeking medical care. Across the entire rail line, more than two dozen retail, office, government, and residential development projects within a 10-minute walk of new transit stations are planned or under way – representing about $1.6 billion in public and private investments altogether.
“President Obama is committed to making the necessary investments in our transportation infrastructure to grow our economy from the middle class outward and reduce our reliance on foreign oil,” said FTA Administrator Rogoff. “The SunRail commuter line will do just that by connecting residents from DeBary to Sand Lake Road with the jobs and services they need, while opening doors to new opportunities across Central Florida.”
During his visit, Administrator Rogoff announced that $87.3 million has been made available for the Central Florida SunRail project. In July 2011, FTA signed a construction grant agreement committing $178.6 million in New Starts funds, which is 50 percent of the total project cost. Today’s funds bring FTA’s total investment so far to $148.5 million in FY2012 and prior-year New Starts funds.
Source: FTA
This information is intended to be
educational and should not be considered legal advice on any specific matter.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
$2 Billion in Federal Aid Available for Public Transit Systems
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced the availability of $2 billion through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) new Emergency Relief Program to help protect, repair, reconstruct, and replace public transit equipment and facilities that were badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. The funds are the first installment of $10.9 billion appropriated to the FTA through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, which President Obama signed into law on January 29.
“At DOT, we continue doing all we can to help our state and local partners make their storm-damaged public transportation systems whole again,” said Secretary LaHood. “The $2 billion we’re making available now will reimburse transit agencies for extraordinary expenses incurred to protect workers and equipment before and after the hurricane hit, and support urgently needed repairs to seriously damaged transit systems and facilities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and elsewhere.”
FTA’s new Emergency Relief Program was established under the two-year surface transportation law, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). The funds will be awarded through the program on a rolling basis, in the form of grants to states, local governments, transit agencies and other organizations that own or operate transit systems damaged by the storm. Information about the funds and how to apply is available at www.fta.dot.gov/emergencyrelief.
“The Department has stepped up to address the worst transit disaster in U.S. history, which directly affected well over one-third of the nation’s transit,” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. “We are pledged to distribute the emergency relief funding responsibly and as quickly as possible to ensure that transit riders have the reliable service they need and deserve—and lay a strong foundation to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.”
Following the storm, the Department developed a rapid-response strategy to assist transit providers in the short-run, while laying the foundation for the responsible administration of federal-aid transit funds available now. Notably, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and FTA have conducted continuing damage assessments and cost-validation work for both operating and capital costs associated with restoring and rebuilding transit in the impacted areas. These early joint efforts support FTA’s ability to compensate the affected transit agencies promptly while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.
Consistent with the requirements of the supplemental appropriations, the remaining disaster relief funds will be made available after FTA issues interim regulations. For the most part, the FTA will cover 90 percent of the cost of transit-related operating and capital projects undertaken in response to Hurricane Sandy.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
“At DOT, we continue doing all we can to help our state and local partners make their storm-damaged public transportation systems whole again,” said Secretary LaHood. “The $2 billion we’re making available now will reimburse transit agencies for extraordinary expenses incurred to protect workers and equipment before and after the hurricane hit, and support urgently needed repairs to seriously damaged transit systems and facilities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and elsewhere.”
FTA’s new Emergency Relief Program was established under the two-year surface transportation law, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). The funds will be awarded through the program on a rolling basis, in the form of grants to states, local governments, transit agencies and other organizations that own or operate transit systems damaged by the storm. Information about the funds and how to apply is available at www.fta.dot.gov/emergencyrelief.
“The Department has stepped up to address the worst transit disaster in U.S. history, which directly affected well over one-third of the nation’s transit,” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. “We are pledged to distribute the emergency relief funding responsibly and as quickly as possible to ensure that transit riders have the reliable service they need and deserve—and lay a strong foundation to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.”
Following the storm, the Department developed a rapid-response strategy to assist transit providers in the short-run, while laying the foundation for the responsible administration of federal-aid transit funds available now. Notably, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and FTA have conducted continuing damage assessments and cost-validation work for both operating and capital costs associated with restoring and rebuilding transit in the impacted areas. These early joint efforts support FTA’s ability to compensate the affected transit agencies promptly while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.
Consistent with the requirements of the supplemental appropriations, the remaining disaster relief funds will be made available after FTA issues interim regulations. For the most part, the FTA will cover 90 percent of the cost of transit-related operating and capital projects undertaken in response to Hurricane Sandy.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
This information is intended to be
educational and should not be considered legal advice on any specific matter.
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