HAWAII RECEIVES FULL FISCAL YEAR 2013 FUNDING FOR THE HONOLULU RAIL PROJECT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded the appropriated amount under Fiscal Year 2013 for Honolulu’s rail project today. Both the Senate and House approved the funding in March.

“Today’s rail funding announcement demonstrates the federal government’s ongoing commitment to Honolulu’s rail project,” Hirono said. “This project is already creating jobs and, when completed, will provide transportation options and major traffic relief. In these difficult fiscal times, when decisions about federal funding remain highly competitive, today’s development is a reaffirmation that support for Honolulu’s rail project remains solid as it moves forward.”

The project has long been a priority for Hawaii’s congressional delegation. Hirono was a member of the House of Representatives when the delegation worked to secure the Full Funding Grant Agreement with USDOT and the City and County of Honolulu. In the Senate, Hirono has worked closely with her colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure the funding.