Addressing local media, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said, "We have had all the approvals and the money has been allocated. But it has to go through a formal process where we actually sign the official document committing the federal government to their share."

The project, expected to be completed in 2015, extends Valley Metro's existing 20-mile line east. Valley Metro held a groundbreaking ceremony last May for the extension, anticipating that federal funds would be forthcoming.

Valley Metro is also proceeding with its 11-mile Phoenix West extension after receiving regional approval from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) in July.