Congress OKs $75 Million for Light Rail, $11 Million for
Other Projects
Nov. 23, 2004
WASHINGTON - Funding for the Valley light rail project will receive a $75
million boost in the 2005 Omnibus appropriations package that was approved
Nov. 20 by Congress, announced U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., a key figure
in securing the federal portion of the project's funding.
In addition, $11.35 million was approved for other transportation projects,
including improvements to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, he said.
"Congress continues to recognize the importance of funding these projects
for the Valley and Arizona," Pastor said from Washington. "These projects
will not only help improve our air quality, but also our quality of life in
our fast-growing Valley."
The funding for the local projects were included in the $388 billion omnibus
spending bill that funds much of the government for the 2005 fiscal year,
which began Oct. 1. The House approved the measure today as one of its last
business items before adjourning for the year.
Pastor has been Arizona's most vocal leader in rallying Congressional support
for these Arizona projects. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee,
and sits on its transportation subcommittee. He represents Arizona's Fourth
Congressional District, which consists primarily of central, south, and west
Phoenix, the town of Guadalupe and south Glendale.
The bill includes:
$75 million for the Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail Transit Project,
a 20.3-mile light rail transit corridor linking activity centers in Central
Phoenix, downtown Tempe and west Mesa. In addition to serving large employment
centers in the region, the project would also serve major student populations
at Arizona State University in Tempe, Gateway Community College, a number
of secondary schools, and several sizable sporting events including college
and professional teams. -
- $3.5 million for improvements to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
- $3.5 million for a West Valley Bus Operating Facility. As the current
transit fleet exceeds capacity at existing facilities, and as more buses
are added to address an evergrowing demand, this project has been identified
as an integral part of an efficient bus system.
- $2.5 million for the Rio Salado Parkway project.
- $1.5 million for Phoenix/Glendale Bus Replacement for bus services in
Phoenix. -
- $350,000 for a Dial-A-Ride facility.
Additional details were not immediately available.
Media Contact:
| Maura Saavedra | 602-252-2653 |
