LIGHT RAIL CONSTRUCTION SLOWDOWN Metro officials say they’re still confident that the $800 million federal grant necessary to complete the North and Southeast lines is forthcoming, but the transportation agency has already begun slowing the pace of construction in response to a $49 million budget shortfall: “So far, officials said, the work that has been put off has been minimal on the North line, which is expected to run from north Houston to the Texas Medical Center and Reliant Park. Metro has delayed road reconstruction work on Fulton Street and has put off awarding a contract for the expansion and construction of a rail facility on Fannin at the south end of the line near Reliant Park and the 610 Loop. Those delays could just mark the beginning, Metro’s Acting President and CEO George Greanias said.” [Houston Chronicle, previously on Swamplot]