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Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (Tri-Met) April 2 received a $63 million Federal Transit Administration grant to be used for the Interstate Metropolitan Area Express (IMAX) light-rail transit extension project.



Tri-Met proposes extending the light-rail system 5.8 miles northward from Rose Quarter and Oregon Convention Center in downtown Portland to North Portland neighborhoods, medical facilities and Metropolitan Exposition Center. Officials believe IMAX would be a major transportation link in the region’s welfare-to-work programs.



The funds would be used to purchase light-rail electric propulsion cars, construction line equipment, train control signals, renovation of the Ruby Junction administration and maintenance facility, traction power equipment, property acquisition and program administration.



Revenue service is expected to begin on the line in September 2004.