by Jay Smyth
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), led by Director Mary Peters, has had several meetings with the Union Pacific (UP) and Amtrak to discuss retaining the Phoenix West Line for future development of the Southwest Rail Corridor (SWRC). After meeting with Amtrak, Peters stated, “We think it would be in our long-term interest to retain that corridor.”
Reports indicate that the UP is cooperating with ADOT to preserve the corridor. Although the UP still intends to remove the rail for use elsewhere in their system, they appear willing to work with the State of Arizona to retain the corridor right-of-way. Talks between ADOT and the UP continue as we go to press.
The SWRC coalition ( http://www.southwestrail.org ) members have fanned out to meet with numerous Arizona business leaders, city officials and state legislators to educate them about the benefits of the SWRC and to ask for their support. We have had overwhelmingly positive support for the corridor from all we have contacted. The coalition has received letters of support from the RPTA, the City of Phoenix, the Town of Buckeye, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce. We expect more letters in the near future. The coalition will continue to expand contacts and develop relationships with key players. Similar activities have started in California.
The time appears to be right. With two states working together, the lead taken by ADOT, and the efforts of the SWRC coalition, the corridor could become a reality - possibly within the next five years.
Note: Readers of the Western Rail Passenger Review interested in the development of the SWRC who would like to contribute to the coalition’s efforts, contact Jay Smyth ( azrail@azrail.org, 480/947-5710)
