From: "Richard Donley Fox" Subject: Fw: More good news on the Valley's Light Rail Project Date: Monday, July 28, 2003 7:36 PM For more information, contact: Daina Mann, Communications Manager (602) 744-5592 or (602) 291-RAIL (7245) July 22, 2003 – For Immediate Release Light rail project gets federal nod to finalize plans PHOENIX, AZ – The Valley’s light rail project has officially left the station, with the announcement of a key decision from the federal government. The Federal Transit Administration gave approval for the project to advance to the final design stage – a decision project officials say makes federal funding approval a virtual lock. No light rail project in the country has ever reached the final stage of design and not received a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) from the federal government – a formal agreement to fund its share of the project costs. The FFGA is the last major milestone remaining for the project. “It’s been a marathon, but the finish line is in sight,” Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza, chair of the Valley Metro Rail Board, said. “We have traveled thousands of steps to get here, and we only have one more to go.” The approval keeps the project on schedule to begin construction by this time next year and open in late 2006. “Will I be doing my 2006 Christmas shopping using light rail? You better believe it,” Rimsza added. The decision allows project designers to finalize the construction plans during the coming year, begin utility relocation and request early approval to begin construction and purchase light rail vehicles and construction materials. Project officials estimate that design and engineering, construction and construction equipment is expected to add nearly $150 million to the local economy, and provide hundreds of local jobs, during the coming year. -more- Add One Feds Give Nod to Light Rail Project The project is not eligible for a FFGA until much of the design work is completed. Officials anticipate receiving the agreement in late spring 2004, shortly before construction begins. In a letter to Phoenix officials, the FTA cited the project’s “highly recommended” rating status as one of the main reasons for final design approval of the project. The rating was based on the project’s cost effectiveness, land use and major activity centers along the route and local financial commitment. “Tempe has been on board to build the light rail system since 1996, and we are excited to see the vision come to fruition,” Tempe Mayor Neil Guiliano, who also serves on the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors, said. Mesa Mayor and Valley Metro Rail Board member Keno Hawker was also encouraged by the news. “The Mesa City Council is pleased the project is gaining momentum, and we anxiously await the Full Funding Grant Agreement,” said Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker. “The FFGA, with a 50 percent reimbursement from the federal government, will provide the assurance we need to construct the project.” Phoenix Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten, who was instrumental in helping to pass Phoenix’s Transit 2000 election in March 2000 that provided the funding for light rail and other transit improvements, said that citizen participation in project plans has been essential to its success. “This is one more piece of great news about our community's light rail system,” Bilsten said. “With this, we can begin negotiating with the federal government for our 50 percent share of the funds to construct the project.” Valley Metro Rail is a non-profit, public corporation overseeing the design, construction and operation of the light rail system. The Valley’s light rail system is scheduled to begin construction in late spring 2004 and open beginning in late 2006. ###