Hawai'i could get $207 million in transportation funding

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Hawai'i would receive more than $207 million in federal transportation money for fiscal year 2002, including $12 million for the city's Honolulu Bus Rapid Transit project, under a bill headed to the Senate floor.

The proposed legislation passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee now faces the approval of the full Senate.

The city's BRT project will begin this year and is expected to be completed in nine years. The system will include a hub and spoke bus network, contra-flow lanes on the H-1 Freeway, and special access for buses.

"This bill will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of major roadways in Hawai'i," said Sen. Dan Inouye. "Each year, traffic congestion seems to worsen, causing a great deal of frustration and hardship for the people of Hawai'i. The initiatives in this measure address the islands' primary commuter and transportation problems."

Also on the proposed funding list are road improvements for Sand Island Bridge ($5 million), Saddle Road on the Big Island ($4 million), and Farrington Highway on the Wai'anae Coast ($2 million).

The bill approved by the senate committee would provide Hawai'i with more than $130 million from the Federal Highways Administration and $28.2 million from the Federal Transit Administration.

Some of the other appropriations include:

• $10 million for buses and bus facilities. The money will be used to develop the city's Middle Street transit center, which includes a facility for TheHandi-Van.

• $5.15 million to improve the state's ferryboat infrastructure.

•$6 million to improve roadways on federal property throughout the state.

You can reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.