Light Rail System Recommended for Federal Funding

Oct. 29, 2001

Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza announced today that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has given the Central Phoenix/East Valley light rail project a "Recommended" rating in its latest evaluation. The mayor received the news in a telephone call from FTA Administrator Jennifer Dorn congratulating him on the submittal by the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.

A "Recommended" rating from FTA reflects positive reviews for the Central Phoenix/East Valley light rail's cost effectiveness, environmental benefits, local financial commitment and local land use that supports light rail. The United States Congress uses the rating to make funding decisions for transportation projects.

In making the announcement, Rimsza called this "very good news for the future of Phoenix". "In addition", the mayor added, "this will also help our friends in Glendale with their own transit proposal which will go before their voters in November".

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten, a strong supporter of light rail, noted that "we've always known we had a great project -- and this just confirms it".

The Central Phoenix/East Valley light rail project is a 20.3 mile line beginning at 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road, continuing through downtown Phoenix, Arizona State University and ending at Main Street and Longmore in Mesa.

Media Contact:

Scott Phelps

602-262-7111