Mayor Anthony A. Williams welcomed the vote today by the Board of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority approving the spending of $16.1 million of District funds to start work on the Anacostia Light Rail Demonstration Line. "This very welcome approval by the WMATA Board to start work on the Anacostia Demonstration Line is the first major step toward realizing the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative and bringing light rail back to the District after an absence of over 40 years."

The funds will be used for site preparation and to purchase long-lead time items, including the railroad right-of-way along the east bank of the Anacostia and the light rail cars.

Contacts:
Bill Rice - DDOT: (202)671-2004; Cell: (202)437-7787