Federal Budget Boosts Funding for Metra and CTA

President Bill Clinton's proposed fiscal 2001 federal budget is set to increase funding for two key area public transit projects. The budget allocates $10 million to the proposed $165.4-million extension of Metra's southwest line from Orland Park to Manhattan in Will County, with an initial grant of $10 million. Additionally, $10 million will be earmarked for renovation of the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Brown Line. This new CTA money comes on top of a federal promise last week to contribute $349 million toward renovation of the Douglas Blue Line.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposed fiscal 2001 federal budget allocates $10 million to the extension of Metra's southwest line from Orland Park to Manhattan in Will County.
• The budget also provides $10 million for renovation of the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Brown Line.
• The new CTA funding comes on top of a federal promise last week to contribute $349 million toward renovation of the Douglas Blue Line.
• The funding will support two key area public transit projects.
• President Bill Clinton's proposed budget has been confirmed by congressional sources.

Statistics:

• $10 million allocated to the extension of Metra's southwest line.
• $10 million allocated to renovation of the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Brown Line.
• $349 million contributed by the federal government toward renovation of the Douglas Blue Line.

Sources:

• Congressional sources.
• Chicago Tribune.