Research Triangle Park, N.C. - The Triangle Transit Authority's (TTA) Phase I Regional Rail Project has received its Record of Decision (ROD) from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).  FTA has determined that the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) have been met for Phase I of the Regional Rail System in metropolitan Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina.

General Manager John Claflin says, " Receiving the Record of Decision from FTA was critical in the process to execute the regional rail transit project.  This notification from FTA allows TTA to proceed with real estate acquisition along the corridor.  The inter-connectedness and alternative mobility options for this region will be tremendously enhanced when the system is completed.  The NEPA process allows for extensive public input, which determines the alignment and technologies used in the system.  This public involvement is critical to the process and will continue during the final design of station areas along the alignment."

The Regional Rail transit project will be funded by federal funds.  It is expected that the federal government will provide 50 percent of the funding.  State and local funds will make up the other 50 percent.  To receive the federal funds, TTA needs to complete certain steps set forth by federal law.  These steps include an Alternatives Analysis, Preliminary Engineering and Final Design.  TTA plans to request entry into Final Design by the end of January.

Board Chair Anne Franklin said," So many citizens, so many local and state partners have helped us sharpen and strengthen the rail transit plan.  We appreciate every ounce of effort.  Today, FTA officially said, 'You've done a good job.'  Now, we hope the community will celebrate this milestone, then put shoulder to the plow with us to get the system built."

Phase I involves the development of a Regional Rail transit system supported by shuttle and local bus service.  This service, scheduled to be operational by 2007, would use     self-propelled, bi-directional, diesel rail cars using new tracks on the existing railroad      rights-of-way to connect Durham, RTP, Cary, Raleigh and North Raleigh.  When fully constructed, the new passenger rail system will be 35 miles long.  The cost for completing the project is approximately $724 million (2002 dollars).  This service is expected to carry about 28,000 daily riders by 2025.

Other elements of the plan include enhancing and expanding regional bus service, adding express service to existing routes and new service in the region's smaller communities.  In addition, shuttle or feeder bus systems are being planned to connect people to future rail stations.  Existing local bus services in all the cities also will be coordinated to serve the rail stations.

In January 1998, TTA, in cooperation with the FTA, initiated the Preliminary Engineering (PE) phase of project development and started preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Phase I Regional Rail System.  The DEIS, which was released in May 2001, was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and all applicable federal rules and regulations.  FTA approved the Final Environmental Impact Statement for publication and comments in November 2002.  The next step in the process is to receive approval to enter into final design.

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties.  For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919)549-9999.