METRO BOARD TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING
TO DELIBERATE ON FACILITY PROVIDER CONTRACT

Citing the need for METRO's Board of Directors to thoroughly review a proposed agreement with Parsons Transportation Group, Board Chairman David Wolff deferred action at tomorrow's regularly scheduled Board meeting and called for a special meeting early next month. 

The proposed agreement will be the sole agenda item at a special Board meeting to be held Thursday, March 5, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.         

METRO has been negotiating a facility provider contract with the Parsons Transportation Group to design, build, operate and maintain four new light-rail lines - North, East End, Southeast and Uptown.  The University Line is not as far along in development and was not included in these negotiations.

METRO President & CEO Frank Wilson said the new timing for Board action will not affect federal funding.  METRO is analyzing the Economic Stimulus Package signed into law yesterday by President Obama.

Wilson said it is unclear exactly how much stimulus funding METRO will receive, but he expects the amount to be enough to begin construction this year on the North and Southeast rail lines.