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U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta July 25 announced a $14.9 million Federal Transportation Administration grant had been awarded to Chicago Transit Authority to help rebuild the Douglas Branch of CTA’s Blue Line.



The 6.6-mile branch, which extends from Cermack Avenue to an area west of downtown Chicago, has been in operation more than 100 years and currently serves 27,000 riders on an average weekday in one of Chicago’s most economically depressed areas. Despite several improvements and upgrades made in the 1980s, the line continues to deteriorate and consumes a large portion of CTA’s maintenance and operations funds.



FTA and CTA entered a full funding grant agreement in January 2001, which committed $320.1 million in Section 5309 New Starts funds. Through fiscal-year 2001, Congress had appropriated $19.77 million toward the project. Illinois DOT agreed to provide $41.3 million in state funds; Regional Transportation Authority, $57.5 in local funds.



The project is scheduled for completion by Jan. 31, 2005.