Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $1.58 billion for 27 transit projects nationwide in 2011 through the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts and Small Starts program.

“Investing in a modern transportation network is a key part of President Obama's strategy to win the future by out-building and out-competing the rest of the world," LaHood said in his June 27 announcement. “America’s long-term economic success requires investing now in transportation infrastructure capable of moving people and goods more safely, efficiently, and quickly than ever before.”

The following projects received FTA money through existing Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGAs): Denver’s West Corridor light rail line, $40 million; MTA Long Island Rail Road East Side Access, $215 million; MTA New York City Transit Second Avenue Subway Phase I, $197 million; Dallas Area Rapid Transit Northwest/Southeast light rail minimum operating segment, $86 million; Utah Transit Authority, $100 million for Mid-Jordan light rail and $80 million for Weber County-Salt Lake City commuter rail; Northern Virginia, Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project Extension to Wiehle Avenue, $96 million; Seattle University Link light rail extension, $110 million; and St. Paul-Minneapolis Central Corridor light rail, $45 million.

Among the other New Starts and Small Starts covered in the program are the New Britain-Hartford Busway in Connecticut, a dedicated bus route with 11 stations; the 13-station Eagle Commuter Rail project in Denver, part of the Regional Transportation District’s FasTracks effort; the Rapid C Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in Seattle, which will connect with Washington State Ferries; and MetroRapid BRT, a 37.5-mile, 40-stop system in Austin, TX.

A detailed report of all 27 projects is available here.

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