USDOT releases $236 million for Honolulu's light-rail project

Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announced the release of $236.3 million in federal funds for the Honolulu Rail Transit project.

The funds will be used to build the city's first light-rail system, which will operate along a 20-mile corridor with stops in residential areas and downtown Honolulu, as well as at three University of Hawaii campuses, Aloha Stadium, shopping centers and Honolulu International Airport.

"After 40 years in the making, the rail project is now quickly progressing and I will continue to work toward making a rail system in Hawaii a reality," said Schatz in a prepared statement.

Schatz serves on the Surface Transportation Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Earlier this year, he met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff to solicit their commitment to funding Honolulu's project, according to a press release issued by Schatz's office.