05-03-04
Contact: Drucella Andersen
Telephone: (202) 366-4043
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today announced a grant of $9.9 million to support a planned 20-mile light rail line from central Phoenix through the downtown area.
“This investment will provide local residents with greater convenience and flexibility as they consider a new commuting option that will improve mobility, relieve congestion and improve air quality,” Secretary Mineta said.
Valley Metro Rail, Inc., a governing entity established in October 2002, will construct and oversee the project. The double-track rail line will serve Sky Harbor International Airport and run through downtown Tempe and Arizona State University to Mesa.
The grant awarded today will support engineering, project management, the Environmental Impact Statement and support services. When completed, the project will consist of 26 stations, a centrally located maintenance and storage facility, and 36 light rail vehicles.
The grant will bring the total federal funding for this project to $33.7 million.
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