ARIZONA – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced that the state has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to further study the possibility of resuming Amtrak service between Phoenix and Tucson.
The federal funding is in addition to $3.5 million committed by state leaders for passenger rail service planning.
“I am thrilled to deliver this critical funding for Arizonans,” said Governor Hobbs. “With this money, Arizona is working to improve its connection to our two largest cities through passenger rail, helping to grow our economy, reduce pollution and better connect two booming communities.”
State leaders, Amtrak and local communities have expressed enthusiasm for the grant.
“Amtrak ridership is skyrocketing and we are moving forward with plans to further enhance and expand our services across the United States with our diverse partners, thanks to these grants,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “We look forward to bringing the benefits of Amtrak’s network and expertise to support states and local communities as they work to bring intercity passenger rail to new communities across America.”
“With this investment under our Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, we are one step closer to bringing Amtrak service back to Phoenix for the first time in 25 years,” said Congressman Greg Stanton. “Daily passenger rail service will not only connect our communities, it will boost our regional economy with better access to jobs and more private investment along the route.”
“In Phoenix, connectivity is everything,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Rail service between Phoenix and Tucson will spur economic activity, help reduce congestion on busy I-10 and ultimately drive private and public investment along the rail corridor.”
“We are taking an important step toward connecting Arizona’s two largest cities via rail,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “I want to thank Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Transportation, Congressman Greg Stanton and the rest of our federal delegation for leveraging federal and state dollars to invest in this planning effort.”
“Passenger rail connecting the Phoenix and Tucson areas would give commuters between the two regions another transportation option,” said ADOT Director Jennifer Toth. “Being able to advance Arizona’s proposal through the Corridor Identification and Development Program holds promise for economic growth, jobs and improved mobility.”
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