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Yesterday, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Peter Rogoff signed a funding agreement to provide $116 million for a 3.8-mile extension of the Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) TRAX light-rail line from downtown Salt Lake City to Draper, Utah.

The extension is the final project in a seven-year, 70-mile program designed to expand transit options for residents and commuters in the Salt Lake City area. The total cost for the Draper extension is $194 million. Construction is under way and expected to be completed in December 2013.

"When completed, Salt Lake’s transit system will connect dozens of communities along the fast-growing Wasatch Front, support new economic development and generate thousands of good jobs for the community," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a prepared statement. "This is a terrific example of how investing in our transportation systems lays a strong foundation for our nation’s continued economic growth."

Rogoff signed the agreement during a ceremony at the site of the new Draper Town Center Station. He was joined by state and local officials, including UTA General Manager Michael Allegra.

"FTA has proudly supported Utah’s vision to create a new, modern transit system in just seven years, delivered on time and on budget," Rogoff said. "The last leg of this effort means that roughly 70,000 commuters traveling daily between Sandy and Draper will have seamless, convenient access to downtown jobs without sitting in Interstate-15 traffic."