Tribal Leaders Meet with U.S. Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

August 19, 2022

Emma Hughes

Community Newsperson

The city of Phoenix has been awarded $25 million to develop a bicycle/pedestrian bridge that will connect south-central Phoenix to both sides of the Rio Salado along 3rd street. 

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis joined City, State, and Tribal dignitaries for a press conference where U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced the funding on Aug. 11, at the Rio Salado Audubon Center.

“These infrastructure projects are much needed and today’s press conference shows how we can all work together to strengthen local communities,” said Gov. Lewis.

Buttigieg thanked tribal leaders in his remarks, and Gov. Lewis also acknowledged the other tribal representatives in attendance. “It was an honor to have such strong representation from my fellow tribal leaders for this historic announcement,” said Gov. Lewis.

The funding is a result of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

166 local projects throughout the country have been awarded funding to modernize transportation, make it more affordable, increase safety and strengthen supply chains. 

“This bridge will do what transportation is all about,” said Buttigieg. 

U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton and Ruben Gallego were also present for the press conference. 

It will also create more equitable transportation systems, improve safety for all roadway users, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“It will be important for accessing healthcare, jobs, and education,” said Mayor Gallego. “It’s designed to recognize the great ecosystem in which we are in and a design that is intended to be reminiscent of Indigenous art.”

Shade structures will also be included throughout the design and project to mitigate heat. 

In addition to the construction of the bridge, the project will include solar lighting upgrades along the existing Rio Salado pathway from Central Avenue to 40th Street.