Gallego Joins City of Phoenix and Valley Metro to Tout Infrastructure Investments in Downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX, AZ – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) joined officials from the City of Phoenix and Valley Metro, along with community & business leaders for a tour and review of current and future light rail extensions in the city.
“Nearly a year ago, I visited the start of the South Central Light Rail Extension here in downtown Phoenix to talk about how the then-Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework would help build a better transit system for Phoenix,” said Rep. Gallego. “Well, what was a framework then is now a law. And thanks to the investments of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can expect needed growth for our businesses, economy, and people right here in Phoenix. Thanks to the work of city leaders, President Biden, and Democrats in Congress, we can expect Phoenix – and the Valley - to become even more interconnected and vibrant for generations to come.”
“Each year, millions of rides are completed by bus, light rail, local bus, express and rapid bus throughout the Phoenix transit network,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Light rail expansions build on the foundation created by President Biden’s infrastructure bill, and the investment aligns with our climate goals for Phoenix.”
“I appreciate Congressman Gallego’s enthusiasm for transit, the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail project and our small businesses,” said Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller. “I share his excitement for the future of this region and the impact of the landmark Infrastructure Law to serving our community and growing and maintaining our local infrastructure investments.”
“Investing in public transit will transform the lives of South Phoenix residents and others across our city – many who have no other way to get around to their schools and appointments. Ultimately, they will also gain access to different parts of our entire valley,” says Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari. “We’re excited that Phoenix is moving in a direction where our communities can look forward to clean, dependable transit options -- including several new light rail extensions.”
Rep. Gallego sat down with local businesses to discuss how funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the expansion of light rail will positively impact the local economy and regional development.
Following the sit down, Rep. Gallego rode the Light Rail from Roosevelt Street/Central Avenue Station to Jefferson Street/1st Avenue Station, where he toured the current construction of the South Central/Downtown Hub Project and discussed the future Capitol Extension and I-10 extension projects.
In 2019, 10% of constituents in the seventh district didn’t have a car, so access to public transit is essential for accessing jobs, education, and health care. Additionally, Arizonans who rely on public transportation spend 90% more time commuting than those that do not, and they are more likely to be from non-white households.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes the largest one-time investment in public transit in our nation’s history. Arizona specifically is expected to receive $884 million for public transit, including $499.3 million for Valley Metro in the Phoenix Area. The Law also includes $8 billion over 5 years for the Capital Investment Grant program, which funds high-cost public transportation capital investments, including the South Central Light Rail Expansion.