The newest line of Phoenix's Valley Metro light rail is one step closer to reality, according to KTar News. The public transportation network received $529.8 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration on Wednesday.
The funding will go towards Valley Metro’s 5.5-mile South Central light rail extension/downtown hub project, connecting south Phoenix with the downtown corridor. The grant will cover close to a third of the $1.35 billion project, according to the release, with another $108 million coming from the Federal Highway Administration. The extension project fits the FTA’s mission, according to deputy administrator K. Jane Williams, as it improves access to places of employment and various other services for Phoenix residents.
Williams added that the administration’s continued work with Valley Metro stems from their shared desire to motivate economic development in the region.
“Transit riders on the South Central light rail line can look forward to more efficient service connecting them to destinations throughout the Phoenix region, while supporting economic recovery,” Williams said in a press release.
