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Post by rubbertoe on Nov 18, 2011 9:42:21 GMT -8
www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/apta-congress-oks-fy12-transport-appropriations-3735.htmlHere are the highlights: The Federal Transit Administration receives $10.6 billion in FY 2012, up 3% over FY11 funding levels. Increased funding was provided to the Formula and Bus Grant programs which will receive $8.3 billion, an $18 million increase. New Starts Capital Investment Grant Program receives $1.9 billion in FY12, up $358 million from FY11.
The bill includes legislative language limiting the federal share for FTA New Starts projects to 60%, besting the 50% limit proposed in the House version of the bill. The bill also retains language contained in the Senate version directing bus rapid transit (BRT) projects to be funded under the Bus and Bus Facilities program rather than the New Starts program, which covers rail transit projects, though some BRT projects will still be administered (but not funded) as part of the New Starts program.The 60% versus 50% federal contribution for New Starts bodes well for the DC and the Subway. We should find out in the coming weeks/months how this plays out. A powerpoint for the DC connector did show 60% assumed New Starts funding, with Measure R contributing 12%. Currently the construction start for subway looks to be 2013, with the DC being 2014. I didn't see when the Crenshaw line was supposed to start construction, maybe 2012? RT
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Post by pithecanthropus on Jul 6, 2012 19:38:33 GMT -8
As far as the Crenshaw line is concerned, when riding the Expo a few weeks ago there was an informational pamphlet that said ground had been broken. I haven't been able to find anything about it anywhere else, though, other than the fact that it's one of Metro's high priority projects.
Regarding the 10/30 situation generally, according to an NPR story I heard a couple of days ago we need to vote in the extension to Measure R that will appear on the November ballot, in order to obtain the advance funds. This concerns me quite a bit, because Measure R just barely passed in 2008, when none of us imagined that the recession would be as deep or as protracted as it has turned out to be. The political center of L.A. County, with regard to transit, has improved remarkably from a generation or two ago, but I think the extension may be hard to sell. If nothing else, the opposition will undoubtedly attack it with great zeal.
On the other hand, we're not voting on another new tax to be paid immediately, but rather on one that will kick in when the Measure R sales tax expires. That, in itself, raises an interesting question. Can we vote today for a tax that will not be imposed until 2039, or whenever it is that Measure R expires? What would be the legal ramifications?
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Post by masonite on Jul 7, 2012 14:28:34 GMT -8
As far as the Crenshaw line is concerned, when riding the Expo a few weeks ago there was an informational pamphlet that said ground had been broken. I haven't been able to find anything about it anywhere else, though, other than the fact that it's one of Metro's high priority projects. Regarding the 10/30 situation generally, according to an NPR story I heard a couple of days ago we need to vote in the extension to Measure R that will appear on the November ballot, in order to obtain the advance funds. This concerns me quite a bit, because Measure R just barely passed in 2008, when none of us imagined that the recession would be as deep or as protracted as it has turned out to be. The political center of L.A. County, with regard to transit, has improved remarkably from a generation or two ago, but I think the extension may be hard to sell. If nothing else, the opposition will undoubtedly attack it with great zeal. On the other hand, we're not voting on another new tax to be paid immediately, but rather on one that will kick in when the Measure R sales tax expires. That, in itself, raises an interesting question. Can we vote today for a tax that will not be imposed until 2039, or whenever it is that Measure R expires? What would be the legal ramifications? Utility relocation contract has been awarded and they had a ceremony to start work about 3-4 weeks ago.
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