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CAF USA is urging the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (Metro) to stand with the company in requesting that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reexamine its findings.

The FTA recently ruled that Metro “violated both federal procurement law and the Buy America requirements” during the procurement and award of two light-rail vehicle contracts to Spanish rail-car manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF).

In order for the FTA to continue to direct federal funds to fiscal-year 2011 projects, Metro must submit written affirmation of its intention to rebid the contract and detail a plan to achieve full compliance with all federal requirements.

The FTA has requested $150 million in the federal FY2011 budget for Metro’s North and Southeast Corridor light-rail projects. The projected federal investment for the more than $1.5 billion projects is $900 million.

With more than two years and at least $50 million of taxpayer money already spent and hundreds of millions more in jeopardy if the light-rail project is delayed or re-bid, CAF USA "reaffirmed its shared commitment with Metro to deliver cost-effective light-rail trains for the project,” CAF USA officials said in a prepared statement.