Rep. Mitchell to back [Scottsdale] light rail if approved February 23rd, 2007
Arizona Republic, 23 February 2007
Federal funds should be used to help put light rail on Scottsdale Road if residents wanted it there, Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., says.
In an interview, the freshman congressman said he would support light rail on Scottsdale Road if voters approved it. The city is studying three forms of transit to put on Scottsdale Road: light rail, modern streetcars and bus rapid transit.
“That’s going to be a local decision whether they want it or not. But once that decision is made, if they would like it, I think it’s vital to this area,” said Mitchell, one of 75 members on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee…
Report suggests Williams Gateway goals February 23rd, 2007
Arizona Republic, 23 February 2007.
Privatizing Williams Gateway Airport and extending light rail to promote the airport as a jobs and education center are among a list of recommendations in a new report to be released today by an internationally respected land-use study group…
Also absent is public transportation at the airport for students at Arizona State University Polytechnic and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Both campuses, the report states, are oriented to commuter students and would be well served by immediate extensions of Valley Metro bus service. Extension of the light-rail system should also be emphasized.
Light-rail center is glimpse of future February 23rd, 2007
Arizona Republic, 23 February 2007
…Metro’s $64 million maintenance center officially opened Wednesday.
Within hours of the dignitaries leaving, work began to fully assemble the first built-from-scratch train. Train cars in silver tarpaulins and green netting sat outside the facility next to crates of plastic-wrapped wheel trucks. All were awaiting assembly inside…
“The progressive voters of our region have paid to try this on for size, and they will not be disappointed,” [Tempe Mayor Hugh] Hallman said.
Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker talked about the future.
“We will someday extend a rail to downtown Mesa,” said Hawker, whose city now has one mile of track…
