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See First-ever Stand Up 4 Transportation Parade on April 9
Transportation agencies in Arizona unite in support of critical federal funding legislation
Valley Metro, along with Arizona’s local and state transportation agencies, will host a transportation vehicle parade and media event on National Transportation Infrastructure Day, Thursday, April 9.
The American Public Transportation Association is launching Stand Up 4 Transportation, a national movement aimed at educating elected officials about the importance of transportation infrastructure investment and the need for sustainable federal funding before the current transportation bill expires on May 31, 2015. Anyone can sign the online petition to support transportation infrastructure funding at valleymetro.org/connected or follow activities at #StandUp4Transportation or #SU4T.
“A reliable federal funding source is critical to maintain and expand our streets, bridges, public transit and aviation facilities,” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO, on behalf of event partners. “Preserving and improving transportation infrastructure revitalizes communities, enhances quality of life and creates jobs.”
Who: American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Arizona Chapter of Associated General Contractors, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Arizona Transit Association (AzTA), City of Phoenix, Dunn Transportation, Friends of Transit, Grid Bike Share, Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), Maricopa County Department of Transportation(MCDOT), Mountain Line (Flagstaff), Sun Tran (Tucson), Valley Metro and Yuma County Area Transit
Sponsors: Alternate Concepts, Inc., First Transit, HDR and Sundt Stacy & Witbeck Joint Venture
What: Transportation vehicles* that support crucial transportation services and projects in Arizona will travel on Central/1st avenues
*Public transit buses from Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma; Mountain Line vanpool van; ADOT snow plow; construction equipment and more!
When: Thursday, April 9, 10 a.m. Vehicle parade, 10:30 a.m. Media event
Where: Parade travels from Hance Park to Civic Space Park along Central/1st Ave. Best view of parade: southeast corner of Roosevelt St./1st Ave. Media event & vehicle display: Civic Space Park
Why: The current federal transportation funding bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), is set to expire on May 31, 2015. Without a long-term federal transportation funding bill, Arizona’s infrastructure will face tremendous uncertainty for vital transportation services and projects. Transportation is the backbone of our local and national economy. A long-term transportation bill is needed for better and expanded transportation options and to continue to support the economy.
Remarks: Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton; U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallego; Maricopa County Department of Transportation Director Jennifer Toth; Additional elected and private sector leaders.
Image courtesy of Valley Metro.
