During the last three years, the Obama administration has been making targeted investments in transportation projects across America to get our fellow citizens back to work, improve mobility and lay the foundation for future economic growth.
Yesterday, we furthered our goal by committing $1 billion to Denver’s Eagle P3 commuter rail project, a 30-mile, two-pronged commuter rail project that will create 4,700 jobs, ease congestion, and bring real transportation choices to the Denver metro region.
Hundreds of area residents turned out for the celebration in Olde Town Arvada, where I signed the funding agreement at the site of a future Gold Line transit station along the western spur of the project. The community's excitement was overwhelming, and it was shared by the many officials from across the Denver region and Colorado who came to show their support for the project.
Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and I were joined by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter, U.S. Representative Diana DeGette, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, and many, many other area officials. It was impressive to see so many mayors and officials throughout the Denver region come together to make this visionary Eagle P3 transit expansion a reality.
Signing the agreement, photo credit US DOT
The Eagle P3 and Denver Union Station’s ongoing renovation are part of the Denver Regional Transit District (RTD)’s far-reaching FasTracks program. This multi-year, multibillion-dollar initiative will expand rail and bus options for Denver area residents. It has been voter-approved and is funded by an innovative public-private partnership between DOT’s Federal Transit Administration and area companies, which have formed a consortium known as the Denver Transit Partners.
FasTrack train at Union Station, photo courtesy RJ Sangosti, Denver Post
As work gears up on the East and Gold Lines, the Eagle P3 will generate roughly 4,700 construction-related jobs in the Denver metro area and expand economic opportunity right away for businesses supplying and supporting the two lines' construction. Once the lines are serving passengers, they will provide a powerful boost to development and help secure Denver’s economic competitiveness far into the future.
For riders, the Eagle P3 will nearly halve the amount of time it now takes to get from downtown Denver out to the airport. And for those who still choose to drive, the number of cars the Eagle P3 takes off the road will speed up their trip as well, by easing congestion.
That means people can spend less money on gas and more time with their families.
As Administrator Rogoff said, “Denver and its suburbs are executing one of the most ambitious and far-reaching public transportation programs in the country – one that will allow millions of Coloradans to enjoy new and improved access to transit right in their neighborhoods. This will give working families more reliable, affordable transportation.”
I think the Eagle P3 rail line is a great example of what we can achieve when the federal government, local communities, and private companies work together toward a sustainable future. And this Administration will continue to ensure that communities around the country--like Denver--can create jobs while building the sustainable transportation options their residents need.
In June, I was able to visit Denver and see the mock-up of the car as well as talk about the project to RTD officials and the Aviation Manager.
I was excited: when complete, this will be the best airport rail connection in the US. All of the others are multi-stop subway or light rail, or need a shuttle-bus or people-mover connection - which accounts for their relatively low mode share.
I was glad to be able to share ideas from around the world with the team, and look forward to riding the line in 2016!
Posted by: Andrew Sharp | September 01, 2011 at 09:48 AM