On November 27, 2007 CATS received notice from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that the LYNX Blue Line Extension - Northeast Corridor Light Rail Project can move forward with Preliminary Engineering (PE).  During PE, CATS will finalize alignment alternatives and sufficiently advance design to begin property acquisition.  Also, the study will assess the potential environmental impacts of construction and operation, and recommend measures to alleviate any adverse impacts.

The project is an extension of the LYNX Blue Line-South Corridor and will address transportation needs and support the region's land use policies and goals for a sustainable growth. Specifically, the project's purpose is to:

• Improve mobility within the corridor by offering a convenient alternative to the automobile;
• Enhance the region's quality of life by improving access to jobs, entertainment, shopping and other destinations;
• Support the region's land use vision by focusing future higher density development in key growth corridors;
• Leverage the region's transit investment by extending an existing light rail line; and
• Preserve and protect the environment.

Receiving approval to enter PE is one step in the process of reaching a final decision at the federal, state and local levels on whether the project should be funded and built.  The FTA's decision to allow CATS to enter PE is very important because it means the Blue Line Extension has met the federal requirements at this stage of the project development process.