Slow economy, falling tax revenue prompt delay in Phoenix light rail expansion plans

Funding woes hamper Phoenix light rail expansion

PHOENIX — Phoenix officials have delayed a proposed expansion of this car-crazy city’s new light rail system, citing funding problems and a drop in tax revenue because of the slow economy.

The 57-mile network, running from north-central Phoenix through downtown and then east into suburban Tempe and Mesa, opened in December with hopes it would ease traffic congestion in the sprawling area.

Planners have said they’d like to open another 30 miles by 2025. But a construction contract on a 3-mile continuation into Phoenix’s northwest neighborhoods by 2012 won’t be revisited until late next year, Deputy City Manager Ed Zuercher said.

The delay could be prolonged if economic conditions continue to deteriorate and a decline in local sales-tax receipts accelerates.

“We’ve seen the growing ridership. We’ve heard the positive comments about what light rail is doing for Phoenix,” Zuercher said. “But the economic reality is driving everything now.”

The first leg of an automated connection to Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport is scheduled to carry its first passengers in 2013. But other desired expansions into Paradise Valley and Tempe have recently either been pushed back or have run into technical and financial hurdles.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, www.azcentral.com