Phoenix awarded US$1.2 million to improve public transportation access
PHOENIX, AZ – The City of Phoenix has received a US$1.2 million TOD (Transit Oriented Development) grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to improve access to public transportation and create a walkable, livable and sustainable community.
This type of grant helps organizations like the Phoenix City Council plan with the community for major transportation projects to improve access to public transportation and affordable housing.
The City Council indicated that accessible public transportation is critical to the economic health and growth of the city’s communities. Following the completion of the South Central Downtown Hub light rail expansion, scheduled for 2025, the existing light rail line – the Phoenix Light Rail Main Line – will become a multi-line system with the downtown Phoenix area serving as the hub for system transfers.
“Transit-oriented development has been an inextricable part of our mission to build a Phoenix that works for everyone. This new grant will help us build a more dynamic city that seamlessly connects residents to work, the grocery store, school or the doctor’s office, all without having to rely on a car. Together, we will continue to work toward a more equitable city that prioritizes mixed-use projects,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
This is the fifth transit-oriented development grant awarded to Phoenix under theTransit-Oriented Development Planning program.
The TOD funds will be used for the following purposes of assessing current and anticipated growth and development; reviewing affordable housing and development opportunities with an emphasis on city-owned, vacant and large development sites.
In addition it will seek to make recommendations to streamline permitting for rental housing and other community visions; as well as educate and engage community stakeholders on the various opportunities for growth in transit-oriented development.
Phoenix is one of 20 cities that have received a portion of the$17 .6 millionawarded across 16 states.
