The $158 million Capital Investment Grant (CIG) for Valley Metro’s Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II (NWE II) has advanced to Congress for review.
This highly competitive grant will complete the funding necessary for this project, with the final grant signing anticipated in early November.
The NWE II gives new communities greater access to major destinations along the existing light-rail line. Those destinations include educational institutions, employment centers, entertainment amenities, as well as the airport. The extension will also link the West Valley to high-capacity transit as a convenient and reliable travel option.
The 1.6-mile extension will connect the current end-of-line located at 19th Avenue and Dunlap to Metrocenter Mall at approximately 29th Avenue and Dunlap. The extension is unique, as it will reach its destination via a bridge over the Interstate 17 highway and terminate at the region’s first elevated light-rail station platform. The project also includes three transit stations, a multi-modal transit center, a parking garage and extensive public art.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement means a $158 million CIG will be dedicated to the project. Total cost of the NWE II is $401 million and includes $213 million in local Transportation 2050 (T2050) funds; $30 million from regional transportation sales tax funds; and the $158 million federal grant in the pipeline.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego says the project will now be able to meet its intended goal: to breathe new life into the neighborhoods around Metrocenter.
“Projections tell us this new section of rail will serve 5,700 daily riders, and that the majority of riders will come from households without cars, opening up new options for good jobs and a good education,” said Mayor Gallego. “This will stand as a legacy project in Councilmember Ann O’Brien’s district, and for Councilmember Laura Pastor, who I recently appointed to represent Phoenix on the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors.”
“Moving a million more people across the Valley in the next three to five years is our regional transportation challenge," added Valley Metro Rail Board Chair and Mesa Councilmember Francisco Heredia. “The Northwest Extension Phase II will be instrumental in increasing access, connecting neighborhoods, reducing future congestion and, ultimately, providing high-quality, affordable public transportation to generations. Thank you to our partners at DOT and FTA for sharing our vision, now and into the future."
Work on the Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II is expected to be complete in 2024.
About Transportation 2050
In Aug. 2015, Phoenix voters approved T2050, a 35-year citywide transportation plan. T2050 is overseen by the Citizens Transportation Commission and includes improved frequency on local bus service, new light-rail service and stations and major street improvement projects. Funding for T2050 comes from a 7/10ths of a cent city sales tax that started Jan. 1, 2016.
Over the life of the plan, the funds are estimated to generate about $16.7 billion, or more than half of the plan's overall cost. There will be an additional $14.8 billion from federal and county funds, passenger fares and other sources.
