Congresswoman Matsui Announces $29 Million in Federal Funding for Capitol Corridor Rail Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Announces $29 Million in Federal Funding for Capitol Corridor Rail Service
$2.25 Billion Awarded to California High Speed Rail
Tonight, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced $29 million has been awarded in competitive grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) to improve passenger rail in Sacramento and Northern California. The grant is in addition to a larger announcement of $2.25 billion in federal dollars for the state's high speed rail plans. Congresswoman Matsui joined with her colleagues of the California Democratic Delegation last year to support the state's application for funding, as authorized by the Recovery Act.
These dollars are a tremendous signal that President Obama and the U.S. Department of Transportation are committed to propelling the progress of both our state's high speed and passenger rail systems, said Rep. Matsui. I am thrilled to see the Capitol Corridor has received such a significant amount of funding, as it showcases the value of inter-city rail. Combined with matching funding from the state and local communities, this funding signifies a substantial down payment on the state's rail system with Sacramento benefiting tremendously.
The Capitol Corridor is excited that the federal government has recognized the benefits that the Sacramento Rail Line Relocation and Yolo Crossover projects bring to the Sacramento region, said David B. Kutrosky, Managing Director, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority. Thanks to this funding these projects can move full speed ahead, creating jobs, improving mobility options by enhancing Capitol Corridor intercity passenger train service, and generating regional economic activity.
$6 million from today's announcement will help Sacramento move forward on the installation of a new passenger platform that is associated with the downtown rail line relocation project. Relocating the downtown rail lines is the first step in the construction of an Intermodal Station, which will break ground this spring.
Congresswoman Matsui added, Make no mistake; these projects will make the Capitol Corridor more efficient and passenger friendly. Work on relocating the downtown tracks will begin this spring. Credit must be given to the staff and Board of Directors of the Capitol Corridor for securing this funding.
All of the funding for the Capitol Corridor will help to increase efficiency, reduce travel time and improve passengers experiences. $23 million will be allocated amongst easing bottleneck conditions which regularly occur between Sacramento and Davis, known as the Yolo Crossover, and improving the San Jose station.
Congresswoman Matsui and her California colleagues, including Speaker Pelosi wrote a letter of support for these projects earlier this year. To see a copy of the letter, please click here.
# # #