New budget gives $$ to expand TRAX

A light rail extension appropriation of $20 million has been included in the Bush administration's new federal budget that was released Monday.

In accordance with a request by Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, Federal Transit Administrator Jenna Dorn said a full funding agreement of $20 million is included in the new budget to complete the TRAX extension from the University of Utah to the University Medical Center.

"Extending TRAX to the hospital will improve the commute for thousands of University of Utah students and employees, as well as those working at businesses in the surrounding area," Bennett said. "The daily snarl of traffic in this part of the city will be relieved, and the daily stress of the commute will be reduced. By supporting this funding in tight budgetary times, the Bush administration underscores the project's importance."