In a move designed to increase the number and variety of building projects located near its main light rail line, the City of Phoenix is receiving some $1.2 million in federal funds to facilitate those projects.
The money is coming through the Federal Transit Administration in the form of a Transit Oriented Development grant and will be used to evaluate possible affordable housing and development projects within walking distance of a Valley Metro Rail station.
In announcing the grant, Mayor Kate Gallego remarked that transit-oriented development has become an “inextricable part of our mission to build a Phoenix that works for everyone.”
The Mayor added that the funding will “help us build a more dynamic city that seamlessly connects residents to work, the grocery store, to schools or their doctor’s office—all without having to rely on a car.”
The funding is also especially expected to be used to assess building project possibilities on “city-owned, vacant, and large development sites.”
Phoenix has a long history with transit-oriented developments, having launched its light rail service in 2008 and shortly thereafter beginning a protracted effort that has seen the development of some 2,200 housing units located along the rail’s corridor.
Three new light rail stations currently being built in the city’s downtown area are expected to be operative in 2025.
Altogether, the Federal Transit Administration this month has awarded around $17.6 million in grants for transit-oriented development efforts in 16 states.
By Garry Boulard
