PRESIDENT’S BUDGET INCLUDES MAJOR FUNDING FOR METRO

$50 MILLION MORE THAN LAST PROPOSED BUDGET

Signaling its support for Houston’s light-rail projects, President Obama’s FY2012 proposed budget includes $200 million in New Starts funds for construction of METRO’s North and Southeast lines.

The budget includes a $50 million boost compared to the past two fiscal budgets - $150 million proposed in FY2011 and another $150 million included in FY2010.

“We see this as a vote of confidence,” said METRO President & CEO George Greanias. “We think the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and others are seeing the progress we are making at METRO and that Houston’s work merits priority treatment.”

Ongoing efforts by Houston-area Congressional leaders have been key in advancing these rail projects and helping METRO stay on track to receive $900 million in federal funds for the North and Southeast lines.

 “We are pleased that other people are seeing the progress that the NEW METRO is making,” said METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia. “We are excited about this proposed budget. It goes a long way towards putting Houston’s mobility on the right track.”