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Yesterday, the Tri-County Metropolitan Transit District of Oregon (TriMet) announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has committed to a 50 percent share for the Portland-Milwaukie light-rail project. The 50 percent federal share would be capped at a maximum of $735.8 million, TriMet officials said in a prepared statement.

TriMet originally requested a 60 percent federal share, but FTA New Starts shares can be no more than 50 percent for a project of more than $1 billion.

The 7.3-mile Portland-Milwaukie light-rail project is the region’s sixth MAX line and includes a multi-modal transit bridge over the Willamette River.

The agency also recently named Dan Blocher executive director of capital projects. He will direct and manage all aspects of planning, development, design and construction of TriMet’s capital projects, including the Portland-Milwaukie light-rail project.

Blocher has served TriMet for 13 years over two periods of employment. He succeeds Neil McFarlane, the agency’s new general manager.