President Barack Obama’s nominee for transportation secretary has pledged a "seamless transition" of continued federal support for the city’s elevated rail project, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said.

Schatz met for the first time Thursday with Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx, who is poised to replace Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Under LaHood, the department last year signed a six-year, $1.55 billion spending agreement with the Hono­lulu rail authority to fund roughly a third of the 20-mile, 21-station project.

"There’s no change in policy from one secretary to the other," Schatz, a Democrat who was appointed to fill the late Sen. Daniel Inouye’s seat in December, said Thursday. "They’re going to continue to be supportive."

The rail project will get $236.2 million in federal funds for 2013 instead of the agreed-upon $250 million due to budget sequestration cuts. Officials said the difference will be made up in subsequent years of the funding agreement.

The White House has touted Charlotte’s investments in transportation since Foxx took office in 2009, including an extension of the city’s light rail system. Foxx is expected to be confirmed by the Senate next month, said Schatz, who sits on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Schatz said he and Foxx also discussed Hawaii’s unique transportation needs relating to harbors and airports, as the "most isolated populated place on the planet."

He is facing a primary election challenge for the Senate seat from U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.