2025 MOW Spending Report: Passenger-rail programs
Gardner steps down as Amtrak CEO
Guest comment: Oliver Wyman’s David Hunt
Women of Influence in Rail eBook
Newsletter Sign Up
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry
railPrime
RAIL EMPLOYMENT & NOTICES
Rail News Home
Passenger Rail
Rail News: Passenger Rail
8/3/2005
Rail News: Passenger Rail
Oregon commuter-rail project back on track
advertisement
Yesterday, Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) announced he secured a commitment from U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta to proceed with the 14.7-mile Washington County, Ore., commtuer-rail project.
Earlier this year, the president included funds for the project in his budget. However, work has stalled because of a rule change in the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) cost-effectiveness calculation, which placed the project out of range to receive a "recommended" rating for a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA).
Now, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005: A Legacy for Users, which was approved by Congress last week, includes language that would modify the cost-effectiveness requirement.
In addition, the fiscal-year 2006 Senate appropriations bill includes $15 million for the project.
County officials now will resume final design for the line. Officials expect to complete design by year’s end, obtain a FFGA in mid-2006 and begin construction shortly thereafter. The line could open in fall 2008.
The commuter-rail service will operate on existing freight tracks along the Interstate 5 and Highway 217 corridor, and connect with Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District’s light-rail service in Beaverton.
Earlier this year, the president included funds for the project in his budget. However, work has stalled because of a rule change in the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) cost-effectiveness calculation, which placed the project out of range to receive a "recommended" rating for a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA).
Now, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005: A Legacy for Users, which was approved by Congress last week, includes language that would modify the cost-effectiveness requirement.
In addition, the fiscal-year 2006 Senate appropriations bill includes $15 million for the project.
County officials now will resume final design for the line. Officials expect to complete design by year’s end, obtain a FFGA in mid-2006 and begin construction shortly thereafter. The line could open in fall 2008.
The commuter-rail service will operate on existing freight tracks along the Interstate 5 and Highway 217 corridor, and connect with Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District’s light-rail service in Beaverton.
