The U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans to provide nearly $530 million through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program to fund the design and construction of Phoenix’s South Central Light Rail Extension. Rep. Greg Stanton long advocated for support for the project during his time as Phoenix mayor and continued to fight for federal funds as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“This critical federal investment will secure light rail’s future in South Phoenix,” said Stanton. “Years of work and advocacy have made this massive infrastructure project possible. And when it’s complete, light rail will be a new connection to South Phoenix that opens new economic opportunities.”
Stanton advocated for federal funding for the project as well as increased resources for the CIG program. In July, Congressman Stanton supported the fiscal year 2021 Transportation Appropriations bill that provides $2.175 billion for the CIG program.
The Federal Transit Administration within the Department of Transportation submitted a 30-day Congressional notice of their intent to award a Full Funding Grant Agreement on Friday. This is the final step before the agreement is signed and funds are transferred to the City of Phoenix.
“It is thrilling to see this grant agreement, which comes at a time when investment could not be more important, said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Thank you to our federal partners including our Arizona Senators and Representatives Stanton and Gallego for this important investment.”
The balance of funds needed to fully complete the light rail extension—about $815 million—will come from several federal and local sources: the Federal Highway Administration, Surface Transportation Block Grants, City of Phoenix Proposition 104 sales tax revenues, and Maricopa County Proposition 400 Public Transportation Excise Tax revenues.