by Dianna M. Náñez | The Republic
Valley Metro and the city of Tempe are lengthening their proposed route for a new streetcar system, and adding to the project’s estimated cost, in a bid to woo federal transit dollars after seven years of courtship.
Last week, Valley Metro revealed the proposed changes, which would cause more delays and increase the system’s projected $130 million cost to $175 million to $190 million.
Steve Banta and Wulf Grote of Valley Metro, updating officials at a Thursday Tempe City Council study session, said the latest route would add 0.4 mile to the line, for a total of 3 miles, to rate better with federal transit officials, who are being counted on for a portion of the funding.
The council gave its consent to the recommendation, although several members expressed concern that time could run out on Tempe’s claim to $73 million in local funds.
