Rep. Doris Matsui Announces Inclusion of Sacramento Light Rail Extension in the President's FY2010 Budget, $40 Million in FY10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 8, 2009

CONTACT: Alexis Marks or Mara Lee
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Doris Matsui announced today that Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT)'s extension of its existing South Line light rail transit (LRT) is one of five major capital construction projects recommended to receive federal funding in the President's Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

"I am pleased that the President has made Sacramento South Line Phase 2 a priority in his budget. By investing in our nation's transit infrastructure, we are making our communities more livable, invigorating the local economy, and continuing to give Sacramentans the various transportation options they want and deserve," stated Rep. Matsui.
A long-time proponent of the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT)'s proposal to implement an extension of its existing South Line, Rep. Matsui has been instrumental in making transit a priority in Washington and securing federal funding for Sacramento projects.

"Congresswoman Matsui has been instrumental in securing support from the Federal Transit Administration for this project," said Michael Wiley, General Manager/CEO of the Sacramento Regional Transit District. "Being included in the Administration's Budget is a major milestone. We applaud this significant accomplishment which would not have been possible without the Congresswoman's constant advocacy back in Washington."

The capital cost for the project is $270 million, with a proposed New Starts share of $135 million, or 50 percent. Rep. Matsui has worked with her colleagues in Congress to appropriate $11.34 million for the project through FY 2009, and FTA has recommended $40 million for the project in FY 2010.

The Sacramento South Line Phase 2 project will extend the line from its current terminus at Meadowview Road south and east to Cosumnes River College (CRC), near the intersection of State Highway 99 and Calvine Road. The four-station, 4.3-mile project would operate in an exclusive, primarily at-grade right-of-way requiring six street crossings along the alignment.
The proposed extension will use existing RT vehicles and new vehicles made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and operate on 10-minute peak-period frequencies. The project will also include the construction of approximately 2,700 park-and-ride spaces at three of the four proposed stations as part of the project.