Above: The Valley Metro Light Rail traveling westbound in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo by Mike Mertes, AZ BIG Media)
By AZ Business Magazine | AZ Big Media
Mayor Kate Gallego announced today that Phoenix has been allocated a $49.4 million grant to fund Phase II of the Northwest Light Rail Extension project. The city will also receive a second grant of $1 million to pay for planning on the same project.
Mayor Gallego said, “Light rail is essential to smart growth and smart development throughout the city. The grants will extend these advantages to commuters in northwest Phoenix. I’m deeply grateful to our federal partners for sharing our vision and for the funds that will bring it to life.”
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) advised the city last week of the allocation of $49.4 million in Capital Investment Grants (CIG). CIG is a discretionary grant program that funds transit capital investments including heavy rail, light rail, streetcars and bus rapid transit. The allocation marks another stage in the project’s advancement towards readiness to receive a construction grant agreement under the CIG program.