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Yesterday, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) officials signed two agreements to provide $900 million in federal grants to extend Houston’s light-rail system by 12 miles.

The grant agreements are part of the New Starts capital transit discretionary program, FTA officials said in a prepared statement. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, (METRO) has begun construction of the North and Southeast lines.

“The residents of Houston understand that good public transportation is key to building a successful, sustainable and competitive environment to do business while creating thousands of good jobs along the way,” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff, who attended a grant agreement signing ceremony in Houston.

The light-rail expansion plan is part of the city’s efforts to connect its workforce with major downtown employment centers, including the Texas Medical Center and the University of Houston. Featuring 18 new stops, the expanded light-rail system also will serve Reliant Park, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, a new major league soccer stadium under construction, the museum district and the George R. Brown Convention Center/Discovery Green Park.

Scheduled to open in 2015, the new lines will help alleviate traffic congestion on Interstate 45 and U.S. Route 59.