By Tom Blodgett | Gilbert Independent
Plans to possibly reestablish passenger rail between Tucson and Buckeye do not include a stop in Gilbert, and the town is not advocating for or against one.
The town’s stated position comes in the wake of reports on the plan for a traditional commuter rail line on an existing rail alignment that runs through the town.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is receiving a $500,000 Federal Railroad Administration Corridor Identification and Development grant — the first step in reestablishing Amtrak service between the Phoenix metro area and Tucson.
The grant funding, which comes under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for the service, according to a release from the office of U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Arizona. ADOT has provided an additional $3.5 million in state funds for the planning effort.
Gilbert Town Council found itself overrun by a wave of anti-rail sentiment from vocal residents at council meetings last fall after council considered a proposed study on the need for possible commuter stations in town in the Cooley Station area and in the Heritage District.
