Feds Ready to Fund Mesa Light Rail Extension

Back in 2009, METRO received local and regional approval to begin the process of building a 3.1-mile light rail extension in central Mesa. This extension along Main Street from Sycamore to just east of Mesa Drive was to include four new light rail stations and another park-and-ride lot. According to plan, the project was to be built using Proposition 400 funds and some cash from federal grant dollars. Once the extension is funded, the City of Mesa will be responsible for the operating funds.

Good news for transit geeks… The funds have been awarded and the Feds are ready to commit to their portion of the Mesa light rail extension. The extension is said to cost approximately $200 million of which Uncle Sam is good for $75 million.

Party Time!

This Friday, there will be a “Milestone Celebration” in Mesa to watch the signing of the grant agreement. A bunch of local and national transit big-wigs will be there, and they are asking us to join them. Heck, they are even going to bust out with some “light refreshments.” Who could resist that?

Here’s the scoop from METRO:

Please mark your calendar for a milestone event to celebrate the federal support and commitment of funds to the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail extension. The event will draw officials from the U.S. DOT and FTA to share the grant announcement and to ultimately help build a project that will support regional mobility and the local economy.

Join us as our federal partners announce their commitment to help fund the three-mile extension into downtown Mesa! Continue to be part of regional transit history as we commemorate the official signing of the grant agreement.

Featuring the Honorable U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff
Acknowledgement from Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and invited local, state and national dignitaries
Receive a collectible pin, second in the series

When

Friday, October 12, 2012

12:30 p.m. – light refreshments

1:00 p.m. – ceremony

Where

Mesa Arts Center

Southeast corner of Main and Center Streets

One East Main Street | Mesa, Arizona 85201

Parking available:

Center Street and 1st Avenue

Sirrine Parking Garage

East of the Mesa Arts Center