FTA FONZI clears Phoenix Central Mesa LRT add-on
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefPhoenix’s Valley Metro said Thursday it has received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) from the Federal Transit Administration for the 3.1-mile Central Mesa light rail transit extension. FTA’s approval follows the submittal of the project’s Environmental Assessment, required to understand the extension’s effect on its neighboring environment and qualify for federal fiscal assistance.
After more than a year of reviewing potential property, historic preservation, air quality, noise and vibration, hazardous materials and other impact areas, the receipt of the FONSI indicates that no significant environmental effect would occur with the implementation of this project, Valley Metro said.
The Central Mesa LRT extension will run on Main St. from the 20-mile LRT line’s current terminus at Sycamore Drive through downtown Mesa to Mesa Drive. It will include four stations and a park-and-ride lot. The project is currently in design. Utility relocation is expected to begin in summer 2012 with the line operational in 2016.
“This is another significant step toward implementing the voter-approved extension of light rail, which is so important to not only Mesa, but to the entire metro region,” said Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. Unlike some municipalities adjacent to Phoenix, Mesa, east of the Arizona state capital, has been vociferously supportive of LRT.
“This is good news that took a lot of hard work and rigorous analysis by METRO working closely with the City of Mesa,” said Metro CEO Steve Banta. “It also allows us to initiate other key areas of work including utility relocation and real estate acquisition discussions.”
Last week Valley Metro unveiled a solar-cooled LRT station facility at its station at Third and Washington streets in Phoenix; the station structure combines solar power with air to cool the stop for passengers using the station.
