Federal funding pulled for light rail line construction along Richmond Avenue

Passions were high in 2006 between supporters and opponents of rail on Richmond. Passions were high in 2006 between supporters and opponents of rail on Richmond. Photo: Sharon Steinmann, Staff Photo: Sharon Steinmann, Staff Image 1 of / 41 Caption Close Federal funding pulled for light rail line construction along Richmond Avenue 1 / 41 Back to Gallery

A contentious light rail project along Richmond Avenue in Houston that’s been mostly dormant for nearly a decade is no longer eligible for federal funding, Congressman John Culberson, R-Houston, said Friday morning.

The University Line is one of the unfinished projects from Metropolitan Transit Authority’s 2003 referendum. Since it garnered voter approval narrowly, the project has faced intense opposition. Metro shelved it to focus on other rail lines, such as the Green and Purple lines that started operating last year.

In a letter released by Culberson’s office, Federal Transit Administration associate administrator Lucy Garliauskas said federal money is no longer available on the Richmond project “due to inactivity and lack of demonstrated progress on the project’s design and local financial commitment over the last several years.”

Culberson, a long-time opponent of the line proposed in his west Houston district because it runs along Richmond, applauded the decision.

“My primary responsibilities as a congressman include protecting the taxpayers and protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Culbeson said in a statement. “Rail on Richmond was never approved by the voters, and it would have destroyed homes and businesses in the area.”

The decision isn’t the end of the line for light rail on Richmond, however. Culberson and Metro officials last year came to agreement that any further rail development using federal funds in the region will go back to the voters. If Metro receives approval and the local money needed, transit officials could go back to Washington looking for funding.

Tuesday, Mayor Sylvester Turner in a lengthy speech on the region’s mobility needs, said rail is a necessary part of the region’s plan, but that he would not force light rail on communities that opposed it.