Tempe, AZ — Tempe to Seek Mill Avenue Funding

Rail Transit Online, February 2011

An application for federal funding has been authorized by Tempe City Council for the proposed Mill Avenue streetcar project. The city is hoping to obtain half of the estimated $160-million cost from the Federal Transit Administration, with the remainder coming from a voter-approved 0.5-percent transportation sales tax.

The 2.6-mi. (4.2 km) line would stretch from Rio Salado Parkway to Southern Avenue, with construction starting in 2013 and revenue service beginning three years later. Officials hope the streetcar will stimulate development leading to job growth, increased property values and more retail activity.