Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet applauded the announcement of $40 million in funding devoted to the West Corridor Light Rail Project. The funds, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will help create an affordable transit alternative that links Denver's Union Station to the Denver Federal Center, the Jefferson County Municipal Complex and Golden.

"This is an investment that will pay dividends for the people of Denver and the western suburbs. Anyone who has sat in traffic on 6th Avenue knows that we need to find new transportation solutions to help people get to work and home again, especially as the Denver Federal Center and surrounding areas expand," Senator Udall said. "This funding is good for business, and it's good for our air quality. And most importantly, it's going to create good-paying jobs at a time when Coloradans badly need them. This is exactly the kind of investment we intended the Recovery Act to make in Colorado, and I'm very happy to see the Transportation Department fund this project."

"This funding will spur job growth and help build better, smarter transit in Colorado," said Bennet. "As the region develops, the light-rail system will help ease congestion, reduce pollution and offer commuters a money-saving alternative. We thank the Transportation Department and the Obama Administration for supporting this very important project."

The $40 million is part of $742.5 million in Recovery Act funds announced by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today to pay for transit projects in nine states.

The grant will expedite funds committed to the West Corridor by the federal government through a full funding grant agreement reached in January of this year.

The arrival of federal funds will allow the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to save on financing costs while putting additional dollars into the local economy. It will also help address funding shortfalls caused by a decline in local resources during the recent economic downturn.