Legislative Update Metrorail expansion is well underway. The system is expected to double in mileage in the next 10 years, as Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) increases improvements under the People's Transportation Plan, a one-half cent surtax for transportation and transit improvements. And with the most recent enactment of the transportation bill in Washington, D.C., the progress of rail expansion, especially building the Orange Line, remains stronger than ever. The Orange Line will run south from the Broward County line and west to Florida's Turnpike and Florida International University South Campus. Thanks to the efforts of federal legislators, Miami-Dade Transit is one step closer to accomplishing major transit initiatives. Metrorail expansion received an allocation of $2 million in the fiscal year 2007 budget approved by the Senate on July 20, 2006. "I'm glad we could help with this important project," said Senator Bill Nelson. "This $2 million will help move the expansion of Metrorail forward and increase the public transportation options available to Miami-Dade County citizens," he added. Out of the Senate's $69 billion transportation bill, $8.8 billion is earmarked for various Federal Transit Administration programs. These programs include new starts; transit planning and research; metropolitan, state, and national planning; fixed guide-way modernization; buses and bus facilities; and formula grants.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: The three corridors, which make up what is known as the Orange Line, is a centerpiece of the People's Transportation Plan.

The bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 2006 also puts us in a stronger position to acquire additional federal funds. Miami-Dade Transit received $1 million for Metrorail expansion, $1.3 million for the South Florida Regional Integrated Fare Collection System, and $600,000 towards the 7th Avenue Transit Village.

"I am pleased to have secured $1 million in the House transportation spending bill for Miami-Dade County, and we will continue to work for Miami-Dade Transit in the final bill," said Congressman Mario Diaz Balart.

The overall House bill calls for $67. 8 billion for FTA programs, an increase of nearly six percent over fiscal year 2006.

"The Orange Line is critical to alleviating traffic congestion in the county. Thanks to the efforts of federal legislators, we are getting closer to achieving our goals," said MDT Director Roosevelt Bradley.

Final action is anticipated on a House-Senate conference report to reconcile the two versions of the bill. Miami-Dade Transit is prioritizing all necessary steps towards securing or increasing the combined House and Senate funds in the final bill.