SE Valley Times

Rep. Greg Stanton announced that Valley Metro will receive a $15,939,835 federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant to advance the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension (REDE). This funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The REDE project aims to expand the existing 3-mile Valley Metro Streetcar by an additional 4.35 miles, extending it from Tempe into Mesa. The RAISE grant funds will be allocated for completing design and environmental work for the project.

“The extension of the streetcar from Tempe to Mesa is critical to our local economy, residents, and our environment,” said Tempe Vice Mayor Jennifer Adams. “Residents of both cities will soon have more options to get to work, take their children to school, or enjoy a spring training game in another city. Additionally, expanded public transportation opportunities will help meet our environmental sustainability goals and ease traffic congestion. We thank Representative Stanton and Senators Kelly and Sinema for their efforts to secure crucial funding to improve our infrastructure, meet our community’s needs, and set us on course for a more prosperous future.” Adams currently serves as Vice Chair of the Valley Metro RPTA Board and is a member of the Audit Finance Subcommittee.

“This initial investment is recognition of the Streetcar’s potential to boost economic development in Mesa, just as it has in Tempe,” Stanton stated. He emphasized the importance of the project in a letter sent to Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg earlier this year.

Leaders from Mesa, Tempe, and Valley Metro praised the grant award announcement.

"This RAISE grant is a transformative investment in our community’s future, readying the area for anticipated population growth and increased employment," said Mesa Mayor John Giles. "The Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension will not only enhance connectivity between Tempe and Mesa but also provide vital high-capacity transit options for historically underserved areas. I am deeply grateful to Congressman Stanton for his efforts to advance transportation infrastructure for our region.”

“Valley Metro, in partnership with the cities of Tempe and Mesa and our federal elected leadership, is thrilled to continue having USDOT at our side as we expand streetcar into the East Valley with the 2024 RAISE grant,” said Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Valley Metro. “The nearly $16 million award will help advance the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension into engineering as we seek to add travel options, create safer streets, improve air quality, and enhance connectivity in a corridor rich with diverse neighborhoods, activity centers, and extensive growth.”

For media inquiries:

Mary Kate Nacke

City of Tempe

marykate_nacke@tempe.gov

480-521-5002

Allison Childress

Rep. Greg Stanton

Allison.Childress@mail.house.gov

(202) 441-0339