On Thursday July 15, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Phoenix to discuss the importance of infrastructure investment. He was joined by several local and federal elected officials: U.S. Representatives Ruben Gallego and Greg Stanton; Mayors Kate Gallego (Phoenix), John Giles (Mesa) and Corey Woods (Tempe); Valley Metro RPTA and Rail Board Chair Councilmember Francisco Heredia (Mesa) and Councilmember Jamie Aldama (Glendale).
Secretary Buttigieg also got an up-close look at the progress on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub with a tour of the construction work happening at 5th Street and Washington. Crews are currently installing track throughout the downtown area and continuing utility relocation in South Phoenix for the project, which is expected to open in 2024.
In a press conference, Buttigieg highlighted the Federal Transit Administration’s recent funding allocations for the South Central and Northwest Phase II light rail extensions and commended the essential transit workers who are maintaining service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rod Washington Writer, filmmaker, model railroader, dreamer, posting videos and articles about trains. Also, posting railfanning videos and updates about his own model railroad layout via his webpage, the rail project (coming soon).
