Az. Transportation/HUD Projects Get Green Light

Congressman J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) announced several local transportation & housing projects received approval by the House, potentially sending millions of federal dollars to much needed projects in Arizona's 5th Congressional District. "These projects are crucial in helping foster the growth in the Phoenix area," said Rep. Hayworth. "We need to continually improve our transportation infrastructure so our citizens can get where they need to go without sitting in gridlock all the time."

The FY 2007 Transportation, Treasury & Housing & Urban Development (TTHUD) appropriations bill, which passed the House to include the following projects:

* $1 million for extending Az. Main St. Bus Rapid Transit system to include service in Mesa.
* $2 million for Williams Gateway Airport Taxiway improvements in Mesa.
* $1.5 million for the Tempe/Scottsdale bus maintenance facility.
* $1.5 million for Indian Bend Rd. improvements in Scottsdale.
* $250,000 for renovations to the Vista del Camino Community Center in Scottsdale to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The bill also includes $90 million supporting the construction a light rail system throughout the Phoenix/Mesa/Tempe area. The federal government will contribute nearly $600 million dollars to the $1.2 billion dollar transportation project, which was overwhelmingly supported by area voters. The project is expected to be completed by 2008.