Source:REUTERS/Carlos Jasso
[Saba Sports News] According to US media reports, the US government has announced $100.3 million in public transportation funding for World Cup host cities to handle the upcoming large influx of international visitors. An estimated 10 million international tourists will visit the 11 host cities. The funding was approved by Congress in a spending bill in January. The Department of Transportation said in a statement that the Federal Transit Administration will be responsible for distributing the funds, which must be used within one fiscal year after the World Cup final on July 19. New York and New Jersey, co-hosts of the final, will receive more than $10 million, making them the biggest beneficiaries. Dallas and Arlington will host nine matches — the most among all host cities — ranking second in federal transportation funding.Funding allocations are based on each city’s stadium capacity and number of matches.
The editor believes that the cost of hosting the World Cup is gradually rising, placing a heavy burden on local governments. Under the contract with FIFA, the World Cup host cities are expected to bear most of the event security costs, including security for the stadiums and their surrounding areas. At present, many host cities have already drawn on funds from municipal and state taxpayers and are seeking private donations and support.