For the many hardworking Americans who live in our metropolitan areas, the payoff is seen in a higher quality of life, better transportation alternatives and communities that are more livable. This agreement fulfills a pledge made by Vice President Gore in February to enter into this full funding grant agreement, which is the federal government s commitment to support a transit project over the course of several fiscal years, contingent upon the availability of funds. As funds are appropriated, full funding projects receive priority consideration. Acting Federal Transit Administrator Nuria I. Fernandez joined Mayor Willie W. Herenton and Memphis transit officials at a signing ceremony in Memphis, Tenn. commemorating the grant.
Transit is no longer just about moving people.
It s about the economic health of our communities and the sustainability of our neighborhoods, said Fernandez. Transit is about making a difference in people s lives by providing access to job opportunities, recreation, shopping, health care and other activities needed to improve the quality of life for all people. As one of only seven cities selected, we find this extremely special and tremendously gratifying. The system will serve a mix of commercial, office, and government operations and a new minor league baseball stadium. It will serve the downtown area, where employment is expected to increase by 60 percent by 2020, and two universities.