USDOT Announces $529.8 Million for South Central Light Rail Extension/Downtown Hub in Phoenix, Arizona
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced a $529.8 million federal grant agreement with Valley Metro for the South Central Light Rail Extension/Downtown Hub Project in Phoenix, Arizona. The 5.5-mile extension will connect South Phoenix residents to the regional light rail system, improving access and mobility throughout this growing region.
“This $529.8 million federal grant agreement will better connect Phoenix residents to jobs, education, and essential services,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The project will extend Valley Metro’s light rail system from downtown Phoenix to the South Mountain Village, allowing residents along the corridor to access regional activity centers such as Arizona State University, downtown Phoenix, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport via the system. The total project cost is $1.35 billion with $529.8 million in funding provided through FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program.
“FTA is proud to join our partners in Arizona to improve mobility and spur economic development along this corridor,” said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams. “Transit riders on the South Central Light Rail line can look forward to more efficient service connecting them to destinations throughout the Phoenix region, while supporting economic recovery.”
Williams added that “this federal investment underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to fund infrastructure that creates jobs and helps communities continue to recover from the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
FTA’s CIG program provides funding for major transit infrastructure projects nationwide. Projects accepted into the program must go through a multi-year, multi-step process according to requirements in law to be eligible for consideration to receive program funds.
With this announcement, FTA has advanced funding for 41 new CIG projects throughout the nation under the Trump administration since January 20, 2017, totaling approximately $10.7 billion in funding commitments.
