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March 4, 2014   President Obama's FY 2015 Budget includes $250 million for rail   The Honolulu Authority of Rapid Transportation today was informed by Hawaii's congressional delegation that President Obama's fiscal year 2015 Department of Transportation Budget includes $250 million for the rail transit project.   The $250 million is part of the federal Full Funding Grant Agreement that ensures the project will receive a total of $1.55 billion in federal funds over the next several years.   "I want to thank our entire congressional delegation for their strong and continued support. It is because of their commitment and their efforts that we are able to keep the project on time and on budget," said HART Board Chairman Ivan Lui-Kwan. "Continued support from our federal partners is essential as we move forward with construction throughout the rail route."   Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the continued flow of federal funds is vital to building rail and providing a better quality of life for future generations. "Too many of our residents spend hours in traffic daily, and it takes a toll on families. Thanks to the diligence and efforts of our congressional delegation we continue to move forward with Oahu's rail system, fulfilling the legacy of our great Senator Daniel K. Inouye and his commitment to an affordable and reliable transportation option for Hawaii."   Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernie Martin said the latest news on federal funding will strengthen the project's position and keep it on track. "This strong federal funding commitment is important to keeping the project on time and within budget," Martin said. "This good news out of Washington from our congressional delegation reaffirms that this project is moving in the right direction."   HART's Executive Director and CEO Dan Grabauskas said the news represents another positive step forward for the community. "This moves us that much closer to delivering this project to our community and providing our residents and visitors with relief from some of the worst traffic in the nation," Grabauskas said.   The $250 million for fiscal year 2015 would be in addition to the $250 million appropriated for fiscal year 2014. Both installments would be added to the $556 million in federal New Starts transit funds received by the rail project.   - END -   Media Contact: Jeanne Mariani-Belding. (808) 768-6145. cell: (808) 489-2530