DOT grants RTD-Denver $54.4 million in FTA funds

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced on Sunday a $54.4 million grant in Federal Transit Administration funds to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, Colo. The grant will be used for right-of-way appraisal, relocation and acquisition; design and project management services; and construction of structures for the Denver Southeast Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT). The LRT project, a 19-mile system, includes 14 stations, 34 light rail vehicles, a maintenance facility and system upgrades. Ridership on the Southeast Corridor project is estimated at 38,100 average weekday boardings, including 12,900 new riders. Service on the project is expected to begin by June 30, 2008.