The House and Senate conference committee on the 1997 Transportation Appropriations bill approved $27.5 million for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) for an extension of BART to the San Francisco International Airport.
Congresswoman Pelosi, a Member of the Appropriations Committee, said: "This action by the Congress will improve the quality of life for the Bay Area as we move into the 21st century."
In March, the Clinton Administration announced its intention to enter into a full funding transit agreement with BART for the airport extension. "The Clinton Administration's commitment to mass transportation has been essential to protect the environment, promote commerce, and create jobs." Congresswoman Pelosi said.
The BART extension project will improve transit access to downtown San Francisco from communities along the Peninsula, improve access to the airport for communities in the East Bay, and provide high quality transportation to the fourth busiest airport in the United States. San Francisco International Airport is a gateway to the United States from Eastern Asia and the Pacific rim.
The total cost of the extension is estimated at $1.1 billion with federal costs not to exceed $750,000. The full funding grant agreement is expected this Fall.