Before leaving for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, both Phoenix and Tucson Mayors Kate Gallego and Regina Romero highlighted more infrastructure and housing advances designed to promote greater sustainability in the two metro areas.
In Phoenix, Mayor Gallego helped unveil the first in its new fleet of hybrid-engine public buses.
To promote a zero-emissions fleet by 2040, these buses, called “The New Flyer Xcelsior Hybrid-Electric bus can accommodate 35 passengers (53 with maximum standing capacity), have three wheelchair areas, and have a driving range of more than 500 miles.
According to a City of Phoenix press release, “the buses use a combination of a hybrid-electric motor and batteries and a biodiesel-fueled engine, meaning they have a higher fuel economy, pollute less, and drive more quietly and efficiently.”
In the same press release, Mayor Gallego commented:
“Phoenix is proud to lead the charge towards a greener future where our residents can breathe cleaner air while getting them to their destinations. As we aim to be the most sustainable desert city in the world, we are doing our part to cut emissions, adopt the latest technology, and encourage residents to make climate-conscious decisions. I’m excited to see our brand-new buses hit the road to serve Phoenicians.”
She also did a video promo on social media, boarding one of the new hybrid buses and saying:
“I am thrilled to announce our new hybrid bus fleet for the City of Phoenix. These buses are cleaner and more sustainable, contributing to better air quality. They are made in America. We are able to offer these great newer buses because of a $16.3 million grant from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the Biden Administration. We’re very excited about this step to become the most sustainable desert city and we hope you’ll take a ride on one of our great new buses.”
In Tucson, Mayor Romero, in her weekly message to city residents, saluted the community revitalization project called the Miracle at Oracle.
Projected to be completed by February 2025, this housing project, the first to be funded through the “City’s first Low Income Housing Tax Credit project in a decade,” will:
“…Offer 63 thoughtfully-designed, affordable housing units tailored for families of low- and moderate incomes. The project will also include 19 units of permanent supportive housing for seniors experiencing homelessness.”
These one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments have been designed with sustainability features as each unit has “energy-efficient appliances and water conservation measures.”
In her weekly message, Mayor Romero commented on the Miracle at Oracle, stating:
“It has been a year since we broke ground on the Milagro on Oracle, and what a year it has been! This project is transforming Tucson’s Oracle Road corridor, representing our City’s dedication to affordable housing and community revitalization. Though construction is ongoing, with an anticipated completion date of February 2025, the ripples of positive change are already being felt.”
“Milagro on Oracle is creating homes and building community…The mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will be complemented by a community center, playground, and easy access to public transportation—all key ingredients in building a vibrant and supportive neighborhood.”
“Located on the historic sites of the De Anza Motel (later the No-Tel Motel) and the Don Motel, Milagro on Oracle is an example of adaptive reuse, preserving the past while paving the way for the future.”
“This project is the result of years of work, moving from vision to planning, and now, to a physical structure. The story of Milagro on Oracle stands as powerful proof of what we can achieve when we plan with purpose and act with dedication.”
Discover more from Blog for Arizona
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.