The City and County of Honolulu has moved one step closer to receiving federal funding for its $5.3 billion rail project.
Late Thursday, Mayor Peter Carlisle announced the Federal Transit Administration had accepted the rail project into the final design phase.
The next step would be a full funding grant agreement.
"This is great news for Honolulu," Carlisle said. "We are grateful to Senator Inouye and to our congressional delegation for their strong support. Entering into final design also allows us to begin the process of working toward our full-funding grant agreement with FTA, which solidifies the $1.55 billion in federal funds we expect to receive. We remain on track to complete that process next fall."
Rail opponents worry the city will not receive as much federal money as expected with republicans in control of the U.S. House.
"I appreciate the approval from FTA for Honolulu rail transit to enter final design," said Senator 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."
