Phoenix awarded $1M federal grant for light rail expansion south of downtown

PHOENIX — The Federal Transit Administration announced it is awarding a $1 million grant to Phoenix for the South-Central/Downtown Hub light rail extension project.

The grant is funded by FTA’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Community plan, which awarded approximately $13.1 million in funding to 19 projects across 14 states.

Phoenix’s plan is to extend the Valley Metro light rail system from downtown to Baseline Road, providing more public transportation options for those living in south Phoenix. It will also add a hub in downtown between Washington and Jefferson streets, new stations and public art.

“The city of Phoenix recognizes the rich history in this corridor. Many are second and third generation families and businesses, all of whom take great pride in their community,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a press release.

“As we continue to make progress on the south central light rail line, this funding will further advance our goal to integrate effective transit driven by community collaboration.”

The expansion is expected to be completed and open for operations in 2024 after the Phoenix City Council approved the South-Central TOD Community Plan in March. Transportation 2050, a 35-year transportation plan approved by Phoenix voters in 2015, has provided the funding for project.

The TOD program will receive a total of $68.9 million through 2026 via the $1 trillion infrastructure law signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021.

“Transit stations represent access to jobs, schools, affordable housing, and so much more,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a press release.

“With this funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more communities will be able to develop the areas around their transit stations, which will mean stronger local economies, cleaner air, and better access to the essential services families rely on.”

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