Phoenix, AZ ~ Today, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced that the state has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to continue studying the potential of restarting Amtrak service between Phoenix and Tucson. This federal funding builds on the $3.5 million state leaders have already committed for planning of passenger rail service.

The grant was welcomed by Governor Hobbs, who said, "I am thrilled to deliver this critical funding for Arizonans. With this money, Arizona is working toward improving its connection to our two largest cities through passenger rail, helping grow our economy, reduce pollution, and better connect two booming communities."

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner also expressed his enthusiasm for the grant and said that it would help "advance plans to further enhance and expand our services across the United States with our various partners". Congressman Greg Stanton added that "with this investment under our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're one step closer to bringing Amtrak service back to Phoenix for the first time in 25 years". He went on to say that daily passenger rail service would not only connect communities but also boost regional economies with better access to jobs and more private investment along the route.

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Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego echoed these sentiments and said that "today's news is huge because it means we are another step closer to re-establishing much-needed rail service between Arizona's two largest cities". She added that train service between Phoenix and Tucson would spur economic activity, help reduce congestion on the busy I-10, and ultimately kickstart private and public investments along the rail corridor.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero thanked Governor Hobbs as well as ADOT Director Jennifer Toth for their efforts in securing the grant money and said that it was an important step towards connecting Arizona's two largest cities through rail. ADOT Director Toth also commented on the grant saying that it would give people commuting between Phoenix and Tucson another transportation option while also providing economic growth opportunities as well as enhanced mobility in both regions.

Overall, today's announcement marks a major milestone in Arizona's efforts towards improving its infrastructure through passenger rail services between Phoenix and Tucson while also creating good-paying jobs for Arizonans in both regions.

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