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Yesterday, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced it will provide another $18.9 million in fiscal-year 2008 federal funds to Hampton Roads Transit for The Tide, a 7.4-mile light-rail line serving Norfolk, Va.

Last year, the FTA signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement that committed $128 million for the project through 2010. The agreement allocated $57 million to the project in FY08, but the amount was trimmed to $23 million during the federal budget process. The latest grant restores some of the funds, bringing FTA’s contribution to $75.7 million.

The 11-station line will run from the Eastern Virginia Medical Center east through downtown Norfolk to Norfolk State University, and continue along Norfolk Southern Railway right of way adjacent to Interstate 264. The $232.1 million project includes three park-and-ride structures and a maintenance facility, and the purchase of nine light-rail vehicles. Scheduled to open in 2010, the line is projected to carry between 6,000 and 12,000 riders a day.