Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Sunday, December 15, 2024 75° Today's Paper


Top News

Honolulu rail officials deliver updated recovery plan to Federal Transit Administration

DENNIS ODA / DEC. 31, 2016

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials hand-delivered a revised recovery plan for the city’s rail line to federal transit officials in San Francisco today. This 2016 photo shows the elevated line under construction in East Kapolei along Kualakai Parkway with the Salvation Army’s Krock Center in the background.

Honolulu rail chief Andrew Robbins this morning hand-delivered to federal transit officials in San Francisco a revised recovery plan for Oahu’s beleaguered $9.2 train line.

Federal Transit Administration officials have been withholding about $744 million in promised funding pending the approval of an updated recovery plan.

The FTA demanded a recovery plan from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation when the price tag for the rail project ballooned from a projected $5.3 billion.

The City Council voted 8-1 Wednesday to approve the plan via Resolution 19-115. Councilwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi was the lone “no” vote.

According to the resolution, the city has now submitted five updated recovery plan updates in response to additional concerns and questions raised by federal transit officials since first submitting a draft revised financial plan to the FTA on Dec. 1, 2017.

Robbins was joined by HART board member Hoyt Zia in delivering the updated plan to FTA Region IX Administrator Ray Tellis at his office today.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.