Tempe is one of three state municipalities with transportation projects to receive a total of $44.5 million in Rebuild America’s Infrastructure funding from Sustainability and Equity grants made possible by the bipartisan Infrastructure Act.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Ruben Gallego, and Rep. Greg Stanton said in a Jan. 8 press release that RAISE grants will connect communities across Arizona to improve roads, improve pedestrian access, and improve pedestrian traffic. The company announced that it will support infrastructure improvements that will improve driver safety and create good-paying jobs.

The project includes construction of a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge in Tempe, improvements to a major intersection in Page, and a major road widening project in Flagstaff to improve safety and accessibility.

Kelly said in the release that the bipartisan infrastructure law is delivering real results across the state, and that these improvements are creating jobs, keeping our roads safe and supporting growing communities. said.

Sen. Gallego echoed similar sentiments in a release, saying these transportation projects will make it easier and safer for Arizonans to get to their destinations.

“I am proud to have helped pass the bipartisan infrastructure legislation that made this funding possible, and I will continue to fight to strengthen our state’s infrastructure and create good-paying jobs,” said Gallego. Ta.

Stanton, whose district includes Tempe, said in a release that Tempe Town Lake is a “true modern downtown hub” with hundreds of businesses and thousands of students and is a state destination. He said it was an attractive landmark.

“This bridge, paid for thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Act, completes a true pedestrian loop around the lake and connects Tempe residents with miles of urban trails, light rail, and more. ,” Stanton said.

Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said in a release that the bike and pedestrian bridges funded by this grant will be important links in the city’s network of safe and enjoyable transportation options.

“By connecting residents and visitors to the Indian Bend Wash and Rio Salado Pass systems, we are fostering healthier, more sustainable communities,” Woods said.

He noted that the lighting, seating and public art proposed for the bridge would not only be functional, but would be a beautiful addition to Tempe’s landscape.

Mayor Page and Flagstaff also expressed their excitement and appreciation for the grants that will support these regional transportation projects in the release.

RAISE grants are awarded based on applications from local governments and enable the Department of Transport to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national goals.

As a member of the bipartisan group of senators that negotiated the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Kelly made sure the bill included increased funding for RAISE grants and secured infrastructure projects in Arizona for years to come. It is stated in the release that it can be strengthened across the board.