Tempe, AZ — Favorable Environmental Ruling

November 2015

Progressive Railroading reports that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has found no significant environmental impacts related to the proposed 3-mile streetcar route in Tempe. The finding means that Valley Metro, the local transit agency, can continue to compete for federal dollars for the streetcar line, said Tempe Mayor and Valley Metro Rail Vice Chair Mark Mitchell in a press release.

"With this environmental clearance, we are one step closer to providing another option for the growing number of Tempe residents, students and workers who rely on public transit every day,” Mitchell said.

The streetcar is planned to follow a three-mile route through downtown Tempe connecting with the Phoenix Valley Metro light rail system at two points.

Valley Metro officials anticipate beginning construction in 2017 and finishing by 2019.

At present, the agency and the city are waiting to hear from the FTA in early 2016 about an application submitted to receive funding through the Small Starts grant program, Valley Metro officials said. The project is estimated to cost $177 million, funded by regional Proposition 400 funds, local funds, plus the federal grant dollars.

Visit valleymetro.org/tempestreetcar for more information about the project.