In an interview on KHON Monday after lobbying for the project in Washington last week, Carlisle says federal transit officials told him that $55 million for the project is included in the current federal budget.

He also says Hawaii’s political leadership should show continued support for the 20-mile-long project, which is to stretch from the Ewa area to Ala Moana.

The mayor says too often in the past, rail projects have fallen victim to wide variations in the political support their received.

Gov. Linda Lingle is awaiting a report on the project’s finances and environmental impacts.