PHX Reporter

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is helping Phoenix with its South-Central/Downtown Hub light rail extension with a $1 million grant.

“The city of Phoenix recognizes the rich history in this corridor,” Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego, said in a Dec. 7 press release. “Many are second and third generation families and businesses, all of whom take great pride in their community.”

The project falls under the city’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Community plan, according to the release. The regional light rail system, which extends from downtown Phoenix to Baseline Road, will be connected to south Phoenix by a five-mile expansion. The South Central/Downtown Hub light rail route is expected to open in 2024.

“As we continue to make progress on the South-Central light rail line, this funding will further advance our goal to integrate effective transit driven by community collaboration,” Gallego said.

The effort is part of a plan to build up the southern part of the city.

“With the South-Central Light Rail Extension bringing much-needed transportation options and future revitalization to South Phoenix, community members took the lead in putting forward a plan that ensures the region redevelops in the right way from a bottom-up approach, that doesn’t simply push those who live there out,” Councilwoman, Yassamin Ansari, said in the release. “This grant supports this vision.”

Councilmember, Carlos Garcia, agreed.

“The core of this plan is to build an equitable future for residents and riders along the South-Central corridor,” he said. “This grant is moving Phoenix forward and making sure the project is done with the community and not to the community.”