10/27/2009 2:42:00 PM NAIPTA puts stimulus money on wheels in Northern Arizona
VERDE VALLEY -- Transit in Northern Arizona has received a big shot in the arm. In the Verde Valley, big changes will take effect soon.
When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed into law in February, 2009, the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) recognized the opportunity to use some of the stimulus funding to better meet Northern Arizona transit needs.
NAIPTA has received more than $4 million through ARRA to improve facilities and vehicles across he region.
Significant for commuter and shopping needs in the Verde are new Verde Lynx Buses. Two 25‐seat buses, costing $180,000 each, will allow for expanded daily transit service between Cottonwood and Sedona. Eight round trips will be scheduled Monday through Saturday. Three round trips will operate on Sunday providing direct connections between the two communities. The expanded service begins November 9.
A Cottonwood Transit Facility has been developed off West Mingus Avenue near Cottonwood Public Works facilities. The much‐needed administration and maintenance facility will open in Cottonwood in early November. The 100-percent solar‐powered building was made possible by a $2.8 million ARRA allocation.
Other upgrades in the NAIPTA system, that spans parts of Coconino and Yavapai counties include a $540,000 Hybrid Electric bus as part of the Flagstaff Transit System's Mountain Line Bus operation. In addition to increasing transit capacity, the bus furthers NAIPTA's commitment to green technology.
Additional capital projects receiving ARRA assistance include bus shelters, a transfer center at Flagstaff Mall and energy efficiency upgrades at the Flagstaff transit facility.
"We are honored to have received this funding," said Jeff Meilbeck, NAIPTA General Manager. ""We're pleased that we could use the money to increase access to public transit and to grow our local economy. Both of our building projects were completed by local contractors, and our buses were U.S. built, then customized by Arizona companies." Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, representative of Arizona's 1st District, was enthusiastic about NAIPTA's use of ARRA funds. "In these tough times, these projects are a model for how we can make our dollars go further and get Arizona back on track," said Rep. Kirkpatrick.
For more information about recent NAIPTA projects, visit www.naipta.az.gov.
Reader Comments
Posted: Friday, October 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Julia Muncy
It's too bad Camp Verde and Lake Montezuma/Rimrock won't see any of this money. We need affordable rides too! There aren't even any taxis available in our areas.
