CTA expects to receive $114.5 million next week after court order lifts funding suspension
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced today that funding has been unfrozen for the Red Line Extension (RLE) and Red & Purple Modernization (RPM) projects following a court order lifting the suspension of funding by the federal government. Work on both projects will now continue without interruption.
A U.S. District Court judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order on Tuesday directing the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to end its funding suspension on Friday, March 27. In compliance with Tuesday’s Order, the FTA has reopened the reimbursement portal to allow CTA to submit invoices, effective immediately.
CTA has submitted invoices totaling $114.5 million in project expenses to the FTA portal. The portal has acknowledged receipt of the submissions, and the agency expects to receive funds next week consistent with ordinary processing timelines.
“Today's news means that the Red Line Extension project is truly full steam ahead,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “For 50 years, Chicagoans have fought for this project, and today's development is the latest success story in CTA's commitment in making this project a reality. With the federal funds now unfrozen, the Red Line Extension project will proceed uninterrupted, on a path to creating a transformative enhancement of opportunity for hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans.”
“Today we celebrate that justice has been brought to residents of the Far South Side and all of Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Red Line Extension will connect long-waiting communities with the opportunity and beauty of Chicago while bringing Far South Side residents increased access to employment and educational opportunities across our city.”
The funding pause, which began in October 2025, had threatened to halt work on both projects. CTA remains committed to completing the RLE & RPM projects without further interruption.
# # #