President OKs Record $75 Million for METRO Light Rail
Dec. 8, 2004
President Bush approved today a record $75 million in annual funding for
the METRO light rail system, a move local officials say demonstrates the federal
commitment to the project.
"This significant funding level reflects the confidence the President and
Congress have in the METRO light rail system," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon,
who chairs the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors. "Light rail has passed
every federal test, and we are gratified by the federal support for rail and
other projects critical to our quality of life and local economy," he added.
The $75 million light rail appropriation was included in the Omnibus Appropriations
Bill passed by Congress November 20, and was the funding level recommended
by President Bush in his 2005 budget presented to Congress last February.
The award brings the total federal funding to date for the Valley's light
rail project to $172.8 million. The $75 million annual appropriation is nearly
five times more than the amount awarded to the rail project in last year's
federal budget.
U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., played a key role in securing the light rail
funding by serving on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Transportation
Subcommittee.
"Congress continues to recognize the importance of funding these projects
for the Valley and Arizona," Pastor said.
The mayors of Tempe and Mesa, whose cities are also participants in the
METRO light rail system, were also excited about the news.
"The funds allocated by Congress are crucial to the development and completion
of the integrated transportation system," said Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman. Mesa
Mayor Keno Hawker said the $75 million for the initial rail segment "keeps
us moving forward as planned."
"Voters chose a multimodal transportation system at the polls on Nov. 2,
and light rail provides one more transportation option," Hawker added.
Valley Metro Rail Chief Executive Officer Richard Simonetta said he is thrilled
by the $75 million appropriation.
"This level of support is continued confirmation of our federal partner's
affirmation that light rail is a valuable investment in the future of our
community, and we are grateful for the continued support of both Congress
and the President," Simonetta said.
Valley Metro Rail is a non-profit, public corporation overseeing the design,
construction and operation of the METRO light rail system, which is scheduled
to open in December 2008.
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