A. Lee Graham
Reporter
Fort Worth public transit plans have received a shot in the arm with news that the proposed TEX Rail project has been included in President Barack Obama’s fiscal 2015 budget.
“We are gratified and excited that the TEX Rail project has been designated for $50 million in funding next year,” said Scott Mahaffey, chairman of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, or The T, in a news release.
That’s out of $820 million expected to be needed to fulfill the commuter rail vision, a 37-mile commuter rail line planned to run from southwest Fort Worth to Grapevine and into the north end of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Supporters hope the line will open by 2017.
“This is a true reflection of our partnership with the Federal Transit Administration and the diligent work of The T’s staff,” Mahaffey said.
In making the Tuesday announcement, Mahaffey acknowledged what he called strong project support from the cities of Fort Worth and Grapevine, as well as project stakeholders.
“They are the key to our continuing with this important project. This vital commuter rail project will connect downtown Fort Worth with Grapevine and D/FW Airport. This is an important partnership milestone for the region,” Mahaffey said.