Washington – Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that the Houston METRO will receive an additional $188 million for the construction of the North and Southeast light rail lines as part of their Full Funding Grant Agreement with the Federal Transit Administration.

Rep. Gene Green stated, “I’ve been a long time supporter of light rail in these areas because it will greatly increase people’s transportation options and incentivize economic development along the routes. I am glad to see these projects moving forward.”

The North Corridor project will receive $94 million for a 5.28-mile light rail transit extension that begins at the existing University of Houston-Downtown Station and runs north to Interstate 45, ending at Northline Commons. The project scope includes construction of eight new stations, an expansion of the existing Rail Operations Center, and procurement of 22 light rail vehicles.

The $94 million grant for the Southeast Corridor will cover the design and construction of a new 6.56-mile light rail line from downtown Houston to a terminal at Palm Center. The project includes construction of 10 new stations, a new vehicle storage and wash facility, and procurement of 29 light rail vehicles.

The Southeast Corridor project’s downtown segment will be split into single tracks on Capital and Rusk streets. The Project will also provide a transfer to the existing METRO Red Line at a new Main Street Square Station.