By Haley Smilow | Cronkite News
WASHINGTON – Federal officials announced the release Thursday of $32.5 million for pedestrian improvements along Flagstaff’s Downtown Mile, the largest portion of what one official said will be biggest transit investment in the city in years.
The Flagstaff project was one of 26 announced Thursday by the U.S. Department of Transportation, part of a $1.5 billion released in the latest round of funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
The federal money will be matched by $15 million from Flagstaff and another $11 million from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway for the $58 million project.
“We’re thrilled to have this kind of money hit Flagstaff,” said Christine Cameron, senior project manager for Flagstaff.
The Downtown Mile Safety and Connectivity Improvement Project is expected to enhance safety and travel along a mile-long stretch of road and rail that spans the downtown area. It includes pedestrian underpasses at Rio de Flag, Milton Road and Florence-Walnut, as well as a pedestrian gates at the at-grade rail crossings at San Francisco Street and Beaver Street.
