FTA Grants Rail Project Permission to Move into Final Design
The Honolulu rail transit project achieved another major milestone with federal officials granting the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's (HART) request to enter into the final design phase, clearing the way for the necessary approvals to advance construction and to begin work on an agreement with the FTA for federal funding.
The favorable decision was issued December 29, 2011 by Federal Transit Administration Regional Administrator Leslie T. Rogers to HART Interim Executive Director Toru Hamayasu.
"This is a major milestone and signifies that we are in the final stage of project development. It also means that our updated financial plan has been approved and shows that our cost estimates are solid. We are now able to advance construction and complete work on the columns and guideway from Waipahu to Aloha Stadium," Hamayasu said. "It also sets the course for us to secure the full-funding grant agreement with the FTA for $1.55 billion in federal funds. We are definitely moving in the right direction."
Construction of the columns and guideway is expected to begin in West Oahu as early as February of 2012.
The FTA is required by law to evaluate proposed New Starts projects against a number of criteria and ensure prospective grant recipients demonstrate the technical, legal, and financial capability to implement the project. With this approval, HART has automatic pre-award authority to move forward with incurring costs associated with final design activities, demolition, and other non-construction activities such as the procurement of rails, ties, commodities and other specialized equipment.
"I appreciate the approval from FTA for Honolulu rail transit to enter final design," said Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. "This is significant and demonstrates the continued support for the federal share of $1.55 billion. I will continue to work hard with the City to ensure we obtain the full funding grant agreement this year."
In addition, HART was also given automatic pre-award authority to procure vehicles and perform utility relocation, since the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process has previously been completed. That step is in accordance with the FTA's Final Policy Guidance on New and Small Starts, published September 2, 2009.
As previously announced by Senator Inouye, the Fiscal Year 2012 Transportation Appropriations measure includes a total of $510 million for those transit New Starts projects that will enter into an FFGA in calendar year 2012. When Honolulu enters into an FFGA with the FTA, it will become eligible for a portion of these funds in the year ahead.
