For the two- thirds of Americans who live and work in our metropolitan areas, the payoff is seen in a higher quality of life, better transportation alternatives and a cleaner environment. Transit is no longer just about moving people. It's about the economic health of our communities. It's about economic development and creating job opportunities. When all is said and done, these projects will have created an estimated 90,000 jobs.
Good transportation improves the quality of life for people.
Businesses tend to cluster around transit stations. Efficient transportation makes work, recreation or shopping accessible to all people. The other projects still have environmental and financial issues to be resolved and will be ready for full funding grant agreements later this year. Historically, the substantial majority of full funding grant agreements have received a contribution of between 33 and 80 percent of their total cost from the federal government. A determination of the federal commitment is subject to negotiation and signing of the Record of Decision.