Department of Transportation

Federal Transit Administration Gives Approval To The Tucson Modern Streetcar Project

Posted: 10/01/2009

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has issued a letter of approval for the Tucson Modern Streetcar project to proceed with final design. This FTA determination moves the project’s design and engineering into its final stage and grants the City of Tucson authority to begin procurement of critical path components -- such as the vehicles and rail – as well as the relocation of utilities along the route.

Southern Arizona’s congressional delegation responded to the approval with strong message of support, “This is excellent news for the City of Tucson," said Congressman Raúl Grijalva. "The FTA has recognized the importance of this project, which brings us one step closer to finalizing design of the Tucson Modern Streetcar. The Streetcar is an investment in a strong, efficient and safe transportation infrastructure that will help maintain the economic vitality of our city. I look forward to the next phase of the project."

"This announcement represents a significant step forward for public transportation in Tucson," said U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. "When the modern streetcar is up and running, our economy, our environment and our quality of life will benefit immeasurably. That dream is now a lot closer to becoming a reality."

On hearing the news, Mayor Walkup called the FTA letter of approval a major achievement saying, “I would like to thank the Federal Transit Administration and our many supporters in Congress for this approval to move forward with the Modern Streetcar project. Today, we've achieved a big victory for both the region's multi-modal transportation system and our region's economy. The Modern Streetcar will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation in Tucson, while adding new strength to our ability to recruit and expand businesses in Southern Arizona.”

Adam Weinstein, President and CEO of the Gadsden Company and a developer of the Mission District on Downtown’s west side, applauded the FTA’s decision and its impact on economic development saying, “The Tucson Modern Streetcar represents the most significant evolution in reconnecting our east and west side communities that make up the Downtown core. This key piece of infrastructure will be an economic catalyst for years to come by stimulating job creation and sales tax revenue along the alignment from University Medical Center to the Mercado San Agustin in Menlo Park.”

The Modern Streetcar is a central component of the Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) multi-modal plan as approved by Pima County voters in 2006.

State Representative Steve Farley, a former member of the RTA Citizen’s Advisory Committee that developed the plan, welcomed the FTA approval news saying, “This is a proud day for Tucson. The Modern Streetcar represents a bold leap into a cleaner, greener future as the foundation of a stronger economy and a more livable community. We Tucsonans can boast of a new sustainable transportation choice and our first step toward a regional electric-powered passenger rail system. When the diverse constituencies of our region came together to create our comprehensive transportation plan they demanded the Modern Streetcar as a priority. Today, the FTA recognized this rail system's multi-faceted value to Southern Arizona and approved the Streetcar to move forward into the final design phase. Our region should be proud of its vision and that it is being delivered as promised."

The President of the University of Arizona Dr. Robert Shelton welcomes the FTA approval, stating, “The University of Arizona is excited that the FTA is moving this important project forward. The Modern Streetcar project is needed to support the environmental sustainability goals of the UA and future growth at the UA, a land locked urban campus that is expected to grow to a total campus community of 75,000 students, faculty and staff.”

The Tucson Modern Streetcar will be a 3.9-mile fixed rail transit system with more than 100,000 people living and working within a half-mile of the route. This project will connect the Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Main Gate Square, 4th Avenue Shopping District, Congress Shopping and Entertainment District and the Mercado District on downtown’s west side. The Modern Streetcar project was authorized for a $75 million match by Congress in 2005 and the Pima County voters approved $87 million from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in May 2006. For more information on the Modern Streetcar, please visit http://www.TucsonStreetcar.info.