Challenges for the Double Track Corridor Improvement Project Tri-Rail is looking to accomplish several goals with this project, including:

• Improving regional intermodal connections to ports, airports and major work and leisure destinations,

•Providing travel alternatives to the congestion on area highways,

• Expanding travel opportunities for jobs and commercial ventures throughout South Florida,

• Shortening the average trip length in South Florida for commuters between Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties,

• Addressing congestion through improvements that maintain or improve air quality.

• Reliability: The additional second mainline and rehabilitation of the signal system will not only reduce scheduling conflicts with Amtrak and CSXT, but will also enhance the safety of the rail operations. The signaling system along the South Florida Rail Corridor has also been updated.

• Efficiency: Completion of the Double Track Corridor Improvement Project will have a cost effectiveness of $5.06 per new rider attracted to the system, as compared to the current cost per rider of $8.81.

Funding the Project

With the recent passage of the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA-21), federal funding is guaranteed. Tri-Rail has been listed as a project in TEA-21.

On February 2, 1999, Vice President Gore announced that the President's proposed budget recommends Tri-Rail for a full funding grant agreement. Once negotiated and signed by Tri-Rail and the Federal Transit Administration, the agreement will guarantee the 50% federal funding share for the double track project. The first installment of this multi-year federal funding commitment is $20 million in the President's proposed Fiscal Year 2000 Budget. The state of Florida remains a strong supporter of the double track project and has commmitted $169 million over the next five years, 50% of the total project cost.

Tri-Rail plans to have its state and federal multi-year funding agreements in place by July 1999. Within five years, the project will be completed and doubling Tri-Rail's ridership will then become a reality.