The federal government remains committed to granting $1.55 billion for Honolulu’s $5.3 billion planned rail project by October 2012.

That’s according to City Councilman Ikaika Anderson after he met with the Federal Transportation Administration and members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation last week in Washington, D.C.

Anderson told KHON-TV that federal officials affirmed the city and the FTA are scheduled to sign a full-funding grant agreement.

The city’s financial plan calls for it to request the money by February and sign a deal the following October.

But rail opponent Panos Prevedouros said even if federal officials guarantee the money, Congress could still decide to withhold funding.

The city broke ground on the rail line in February, but construction can’t begin until a final design is approved, likely later this year.