Oregon Public Broadcasting

Federal officials say they've secured the final $75 million needed for Portland's streetcar extension.

Peter Rogoff, the head of the Federal Transportation Administration, authorized the cash out of the Small Starts fund- a pool of money Congress created for modest-sized transit projects, that was  first proposed by Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer.

Rogoff says the streetcar has tangible benefitsi n terms of transportation needs, and also job creation.

Peter Rogoff  "This is my fifth month on the job, and one of the greatest thrills I've had it to sign the project construction grant agreement for the streetcar loop project in Portland."

The cash will finish off funding for the streetcar expansion that will span the Willamette River. Construction is already under way, and estimated to finish in January of 2012.