WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has provided a $17.7 million grant for upgrades to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).  Funding was made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).  

“With more than a million riders utilizing the Metro transit system on an average weekday, Metro is a fundamental transportation option for metropolitan area employees, especially in a national emergency,” said Senator Webb. “Today’s $17.7 million grant will help ensure public safety, bolster security measures and put people to work while at the same time benefiting the nation’s capital needs.”

“These projects will help create or save jobs while upgrading safety and customer convenience on the region’s Metro system,” Senator Warner said. “In addition, these smart, one-time investments will pay dividends well into the future.”    

The funding provided through the FTA will provide the following: implementation of a track pad/shock absorber rehabilitation program; purchase and installation of emergency tunnel carts and storage cabinets; expansion of WMATAs chemical sensor detection system; upgrade of fare machines; fabrication and installation of a new Metro Sales Center; and purchase of four prime movers to be utilized as work trains. 

More information about VA’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.va.gov/recovery.

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