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FasTracks to Receive $120 Million

FasTracks

Today U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall announced $120 million in federal grant money for FasTracks, a long-term project that seeks to expand bus and rail transportation in the Denver Metro area.

The grants were promised earlier in the Obama Administration’s budget proposal, and are part of a $1.6 billion pool of money approved by Congress. The West, Gold and East lines will each receive $40 million.

Senator Michael Bennet said the investment will help expand job opportunities and ease commute times in the Denver area. Meantime, Senator Mark Udall stressed the importance of a federal/local partnership in helping the multi-billion dollar project move forward and stay on schedule.

In November 2004, voters approved a 4/10 of 1 percent local sales tax initiative to pay 40 percent of FasTracks.

The West Corridor light rail line is one of the first projects expected to be complete. It will run from Downtown Denver to Lakewood and Golden. It’s expected to open in 2013.