Pelosi Secures $65 Million for BART-SFO Extension

June 10, 2005

Pelosi Delivers $65 Million for BART-SFO Extension
Friday, June 10, 2005
Contact: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today announced the release of $65 million to pay construction costs for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) extension to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
"The BART to San Francisco International Airport extension reduces road congestion, protects local air quality, and provides a fast and convenient link to the airport for Bay Area residents and visitors," Pelosi said. "I will continue to fight for funds until the federal government pays its full $750 million share of the costs."
The 8.7-mile extension added four BART stations and service to SFO. The project also provides commuter access to the Caltrain rail service at Millbrae station. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta opened the extension to the public on June 22, 2003.
The Department of Transportation's New Starts program helps fund the extension project. Several sources, including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, SamTrans, the State of California and the San Francisco International Airport, provided the $733 million local share.
"BART is grateful for the tireless leadership of Congresswoman Pelosi and the entire Bay Area congressional delegation to secure the remaining funds necessary to finish the federal commitment to this important regional project," BART General Manager Tom Margro said. "We are hopeful that with the continued leadership of our delegation, Congress will provide the final $82.7 million for the SFO Extension project this year, which will ensure BART can manage its debt-financing costs and protect local taxpayers while providing seamless train-to-plane service for the Bay Area."
The state and local share of project costs has been spent and the remainder of the federal share is needed to pay remaining costs of construction. Pelosi, Congressman Tom Lantos, and the Bay Area delegation are working this year to secure $82 million to complete the federal share of the extension.