In his speech announcing the American Jobs Act last week, President Barack Obama promoted the creation of a national infrastructure bank.  

The idea is for the government to kick-start infrastructure projects by teaming up with private investors.

How would the creation of such a financial authority affect Hawaii? 

On Oahu, officials have their hearts set on $1.55 billion in federal funds for Honolulu’s rail line. Would an infrastructure bank change how the Federal Transit Administration doles out money?

We checked with FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff.

“The bank will prove to be a welcome supplement to the Federal Transit Administration’s successful New Starts program and help expand transportation options nationwide,” Rogoff told DC808 via his spokesman. 

Rogoff also said projects that would be spurred by the creation of an infrastructure bank would help put “tens of thousands of Americans to work.”