We’re not going to let that happen, this time we’re going to go to the finish," says Senator Dan Inouye, (D) U.S. Senator.
Getting to the finish will take more than $1.5 billion dollars in federal funds alongside billions more the city and local taxes will pay.
Inouye said the money from Washington isn’t a definite, especially as spending is being slashed from all quarters.
But he said his position as appropriations chairman should bear weight.
I can guarantee you this much, I’m going to do my damndest to see that the money comes in, even in these difficult times, if i can’t deliver, then I should be cursed," says Senator Inouye.
The HART board also discussed financial concerns about the parent company of Ansaldo, the winning bidder for the rail car and systems contract, after reports of trouble in Italy.
The finance committee wants to see revised financials before a contract is executed.
In our areas of concern: specifically, bonding, specifically their ability to complete the project and the amount of financial support they have from their parent company with regards to their car-building operation," says Kelsie Hui, H.A.R.T. Board member.
"Of course we’re going to be doing a thorough investigation before we engage in a contract," says Toru Hamayasu, H.A.R.T. Interim Executive Director.
Afterward the Senator said HART’s approach should suffice.
I trust the board. If the board says it’s good, it’s ok with me," says Senator Inouye.
The Interim Executive Director told the board it plans to send the contract package to Ansaldo next week, and the company would then have 20 days to return it with a bond in place.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
