by Sean Holstege – Feb. 15, 2011
The Arizona Republic
Supporters of Mesa’s planned downtown light-rail extension got a major boost Monday when President Barack Obama included money for it in his budget proposal.
Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff will announce today that the government will include $38 million for the 3-mile, four-station extension in the budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. A budget summary posted online by the U.S. Department of Transportation lists the Mesa project.
“This is a great day, great news,” Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said. “Once you get in the door, it’s rare that they pull the plug.”