A new light rail extension to connect South Phoenix communities to education, work and nightlife downtown is advancing forward with a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Slated for completion in 2024, the connection will add 5 miles of light rail to connect residents to the city’s core as well as to the rest of the regional light rail system.

Currently, the Valley’s 28-mile rail line is also spurring economic development and jobs, including $14.4 billion in public and private investment since its inception in 2008, according to Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority, more popularly known as Valley Metro. 

Lawmakers across the Valley have worked to make the rail and the new South Phoenix extension a reality, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D), who is the former mayor of Phoenix. 

“This critical federal investment will secure light rail’s future in South Phoenix,” said Stanton, who is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “Years of work and advocacy have made this massive infrastructure project possible. And when it’s complete, light rail will be a new connection to South Phoenix that opens new economic opportunities.”

Newest extension part of goal to extend 66 miles  

Called the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub, it will run from downtown Phoenix to south of Baseline Road. The project also includes a hub in downtown Phoenix, new stations and public art. 

The extension, which will run from Baseline Road in South Phoenix to the downtown transit hub, is one of seven high-capacity extensions planned or under construction to create a 66-mile system by 2034. 

The DOT recently announced it was awarding the city a grant of nearly $530 million through DOT’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program to help pay for the South Central extension. 

The balance of funds needed to fully complete the light rail extension — about $815 million — will come from several federal and local sources: the Federal Highway Administration, Surface Transportation Block Grants, Phoenix Proposition 104 sales tax revenues, and Maricopa County Proposition 400 Public Transportation Excise Tax revenues.

Project spurring economic investment in region

The cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa have taken action to encourage development near the light rail alignment. As a result, more than 414 projects have cropped up or are under construction adjacent to the rail. 

More than $14.4 billion in private and public capital investment has been built near the 28-miles of light rail and Tempe Streetcar. Another $3 billion in commercial and residential building is being planned, most of that from private developers.

Fares are $2 per trip 

Fares are only $2 for one trip or $4 for one day. Reduced fares of $1 for one trip and $2 for one day are available for riders 6-18 years old, 65 and older, and people on Medicare or with disabilities. Children 5 and under ride for free. 

About Valley Metro’s light rail project 

Valley Metro’s 28-mile light rail line was built entirely in-street using a train-only trackway and traffic signals to allow trains to safely move through the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, Arizona. Along the route, there are 38 stations and 11 free park-and-rides.   

The cost was $1.4 billion and was paid for using a $587 million federal New Starts grant, $59 million from federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality

funding and local tax dollars. The local funds are a mix of sales tax revenue from the cities of Phoenix and Tempe, the general fund from Mesa and the county’s Proposition 400 half-cent sales tax.

In fiscal 2018, Valley Metro Rail served 15.7 million passengers. Today, more than 45,000 riders rely on light rail each day. Light rail has proven to generate economic prosperity for historically underserved communities in metro Phoenix.

To learn more about the light rail system, visit: . 

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A measure to allow approved visitors from Mexico to travel throughout Arizona without additional documentation, instead of a mere 25 to 75 miles from the border under current law, is making its way through both houses of the U.S. Congress. 

The bill, called the Southwest Tourism Expansion Act, is receiving substantial support from local governments, tribal nations, economic groups and most of Arizona’s congressional delegation. 

One reason is an estimated $1 billion more expected in spending by tourists from Mexico, Arizona’s top foreign market. Last year, Mexican visitors spent more than $3 billion here. 

“Arizona benefits in so many ways from a strong relationship with Mexico — inviting our Mexican neighbors to explore and invest more across our entire state will strengthen those ties,” said Arizona U.S. Representative Greg Stanton, a key sponsor of the bill who has long advocated for the legislation including as the former mayor of Phoenix. 

Five-year pilot program 

The bill calls for a five-year pilot program to allow Mexican citizens who carry a valid Border Crossing Card (BCC) to travel statewide. 

Currently, card holders are only allowed to travel 75 miles from the border from Arizona’s land ports of entry, taking them about as far as Tucson. Traveling beyond that mile marker requires travelers to apply for additional federal documentation at the port of entry. The I-94 form requires a $6 fee. In the Yuma region, travel is even more restricted, with a 25-mile limit for BCC carrying visitors coming through the San Luis port of entry before the I-94 is required. 

The Act would allow Mexican nationals with a valid BCC card to go to spring training and visit popular spots like Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, not to mention Greater Phoenix and Flagstaff, but without having to secure the I-94.

Especially important right now 

Stanton said the bill is especially important right now when Arizona’s tourism and recreation industries “have taken a catastrophic hit” from the pandemic. The bill would allow for a five-year pilot program to test it out.   

“We need to think ahead and be creative about how we will help those sectors rebuild and reach new audiences. This pilot program is a first step in doing so,” Stanton said. 

Last week, the bill jumped a major hurdle when it was advanced as part of the House’s Fiscal Year 2021 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.

Arizona is “open for business” 

Most of Arizona’s congressional delegation are co-sponsors, including Arizona U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R), who introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“Arizona is open for business and when we allow approved visitors into more areas of our beautiful state, we unleash the potential for greater economic growth, more jobs, and additional sales tax revenue,” Sen. McSally said. 

Widespread support 

The proposal has strong support from state and local governments, economic groups, the Maricopa and the Arizona , which represents 21 tribal nations. 

Mexico top foreign market for Arizona

Mexico is Arizona’s top international market. Last year, Mexican visitors spent more than $3 billion here with 4 million overnight visits, a 5.2 percent increase over 2018, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism.

A University of Arizona study conducted at the request of MAG in 2015 found that expanding the border zone to the entire state could generate up to $181 million in additional spending during the first year. Over the five years, expanded travel for Mexican visitors would generate approximately $905 million.  

Requirements for Border Crossing Card 

• In order to obtain a BCC, applicants must provide fingerprints, photography, employment information, a security background check, and an in‐person interview.
• The BCC is a B‐1/B‐2 visa issued exclusively to Mexican citizens by the U.S. State Department and includes a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) technology chip. 
• Holders of these cards must demonstrate that they have ties to Mexico, including financial, that would compel them to return after a temporary stay in the U.S. 
• Penalties for abusing the visa include revocation of the BCC with a fee, as well as losing the privilege for future visa application.

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