The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Wednesday that it had awarded $529.8 million in a federal grant to a Phoenix, Ariz., rail project.
The 5.5-mile South Central Light Rail Extension/Downtown Hub Project by Valley Metro in Phoenix will connect South Phoenix residents to the regional light rail system and improve access and mobility through the region.
“This $529.8 million federal grant agreement will better connect Phoenix residents to jobs, education, and essential services,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The project, which will cost $1.35 billion in total, will extend the light rail system from downtown Phoenix to the South Mountain Village, connected residents along the rail line to Arizona State University, downtown Phoenix, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, officials said.
The federal funding is provided through FTA’s Capital Investment Grants program.
“FTA is proud to join our partners in Arizona to improve mobility and spur economic development along this corridor,” said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams. “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.”
The project is the 41st project funding through the CIG program since 2017. More than $10.7 billion in CIG grants has been awarded through the program.