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July 15, 2015

The Honorable Anthony FoxxSecretaryU.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Ave, SEWashington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Foxx:

We write to urge your full and fair consideration of the City of Phoenix's application fora Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for Phase II of theGrand Canalscape project. This planned development will provide significant benefits to thepeople of Phoenix and the surrounding region by enhancing multimodal connectivity, improvingbicycle and pedestrian safety, and linking residents to education and employment centers.

Phase I of the project is currently underway, with an expected completion date ofSeptember 2016. Phase II, for which the City is seeking a TIGER grant, comprisesapproximately eight miles of canal trails and street crossings for walking and cycling. It will alsoprovide important connections to bus and light rail lines as well as to the region's growingpedestrian and bicycle network.

Improving cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure and safety is a top priority for the City ofPhoenix, which recently participated in the Mayors' Challenge fbr Safer People and Safer Streets.Consistent with this focus, the Grand Canalscape project will make a number of important safetyimprovements in the Phoenix area, including the addition of new pedestrian lighting, bridges,and signalized crossings. As a result, upon completion of the project, residents of the Phoenixarea will have a safer means of walking or biking to work or to class.

Crucially, Phase II will also support your Departmedt's groundbreaking Ladders ofOpportuniQ initiative by linking members of economically-challenged communities to nearbyschools and employment centers, such as Arizona State University and Phoenix Sky HarborInternational Airport. In addition, the project will connect residents of these neighborhoods tovital services, including area hospitals and medical centers. Overall, consistent with the statedgoals of Zadders of OpportuniQ,the Grand Canalscape project will make it easier for Phoenixresidents to realize their economic potential and for local businesses to maintain a diverseworkforce.

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Thank you for your attention to this request. Again, we respectfully ask that you providefull and fair consideration, within all applicable rules and regulations, to the City of Phoenix'sTIGER grant application.

Sincerely,

Ruben GallegoMember olCongress

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