Senator Warner announced today that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will provide a $17.7 million grant from the economic stimulus package for upgrades to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

Senator Warner said today:

“These projects will help create or save jobs while upgrading safety and customer convenience on the region’s Metro system. In addition, these smart, one-time investments will pay dividends well into the future.”

The funding will be used for:

• implementation of a track pad/shock absorber rehabilitation program;
• purchase and installation of emergency tunnel carts and storage cabinets;
• expansion of WMATA's chemical sensor detection system;
• upgrade of fare machines;
• fabrication and installation of new Metro Sales Center; and
• purchase of four prime movers to be utilized as work trains.