TEMPE, Ariz. - The City of Tempe can move forward with three exciting and much-needed transportation projects now that the federal transportation spending plan has been approved.

Shortly, President Bush is expected to sign the Transportation Reauthorization Bill, which covers federal transportation funding through 2009. The bill was approved in the U.S. House and Senate last week. U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth was a champion of several Tempe-related projects in the bill, including:

• $2.4 million for a pedestrian bridge connecting the north and south bank of Tempe Town Lake. The bridge will serve as a critical local and regional link, making it easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to get to and from Tempe. It has been planned since 1994 and will be built near the Tempe Center for the Arts, which is now under construction.
• $5.4 million over four years for the East Valley Bus Maintenance and Operations Facility in Tempe, planned for the area near Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway. Valley Metro, Tempe and Scottsdale, along with other federal grants, will contribute to the cost of the $40 million facility. Construction could begin in fall 2005.
• $434.4 million through 2009 for the Valley’s METRO light rail system.

"Congressman Hayworth was instrumental in helping direct federal funds to these necessary local projects,” said Mayor Hugh Hallman. “The City of Tempe is grateful for his assistance and looks forward to continuing to work with him on other vitally important issues."

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Contact: Shelley Hearn
Telephone: (480) 350-8906