Maxwell Frost: “Title III of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2400 contains project authorizations in section (c)(1) making…”

“Title III of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2400 contains project authorizations in section (c)(1) making $3,000,000,000 available for fiscal years 1998 through 2003 for a variety of projects. Included in this section is authorization for the Dallas North Central Light Rail Transit Extension in the amount of $188 million. I am taking this opportunity to thank the conferees for making these funds available, but I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate the position of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit regarding the full federal share of this project. DART originally requested $333 million as the federal share for fulfillment of the Full Funding Grant Agreement that has been under negotiation between DART and the Federal Transit Administration. During these negotiations, FTA indicated its commitment to proceed with the implementation of the project by the issuance of a Letter Of No Prejudice. It is important to note that it is DART's understanding that the $188 million authorized in the conference report to accompany H.R. 2400 is a floor and not a ceiling and that the full $333 million will be made available for the federal share to ensure the completion of this project which has been the subject of the negotiations between DART and FTA.”