The Federal Transit Administration today gave its approval for the city to begin construction of Honolulu’s $5.5 billion rail transit system, Mayor Peter Carlisle’s office announced.

The FTA issued a "record of decision," indicating that the project has met all the requirements of the environmental review process.

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff presented the record of decision to Carlisle and Toru Hamayasu, general manager for the City’s Rapid Transit Division, at FTA offices in Washington, D.C.

"This is one of the most significant milestones for the rail project," Carlisle said. "We will soon be able to provide residents with a sensible alternative to our congested roads and highways and improve their overall quality of life."

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff said the city has met all of the laws and regulations of the environmental review, "and we look forward to the day when Honolulu’s citizens can ride the rails in comfort, breathe cleaner air, and avoid getting stuck in time-wasting traffic jams."