Feds deny $70 million in stimulus money for BART rail extension to Oakland airport
By Denis Cuff
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 02/12/2010 08:41:38 PM PST
Updated: 02/12/2010 10:42:19 PM PST
BART's plan for a rail extension to the Oakland International Airport was dealt a major blow Friday when the federal government denied $70 million in economic stimulus funds for the project because of concerns it may discriminate against low-income and minority residents.
In a blunt letter, the Federal Transit Administration said it was pulling the plug on the grant because BART cannot possibly meet deadlines for a required analysis to determine whether the $492 million project has discriminatory impacts. The study is required for major transit projects to get federal funds.
"I am required to now inform you that the plan is rejected," Peter Rogoff, administrator of the federal agency, wrote in a two-page letter to BART General Manager Dorothy Dugger.
Dugger could not be reached immediately for comment, and a BART spokesman said Friday night the agency was preparing a response....
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