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North Carolina’s Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) continues to struggle to obtain federal funds for its regional rail project. In the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Annual Report on New Starts released earlier this week, TTA received a “low” funding recommendation for its proposed 28-mile commuter-rail line.

The news didn’t come as a surprise to TTA officials, who were told in late 2005 they would receive a low recommendation because some project information needed to be refined, including projected ridership. In addition, higher construction costs and tighter FTA standards have reduced the project’s chances of obtaining New Starts funds.

However, TTA officials plan to continue working with the FTA to resolve outstanding issues and re-rate the project later this year.

The regional rail line would connect downtown Durham with Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, Cary, North Carolina State University and downtown Raleigh.