Watched · No track laid
Project Connect
Voters approved 20 miles of light rail in 2020. The line in federal review is 9.8 miles at roughly three times the cost per mile, and no federal money is awarded yet.
Updated September 3, 2026
The 2020 ballot said 20 miles, $5.8 billion, 26 stops, a train to the airport. The current line is 9.8 miles, 15 stations, $8.23 billion on the FTA dashboard, and the airport is out.
What we watch: the first construction dollars (the $352.8 million vehicle contract is the opener), the CIG rating each quarter, and any further shrinkage of the 9.8 miles.
The numbers that matter: $290M/mile promised vs $840M/mile on the federal dashboard. 49% federal share, not awarded. Construction 2027, service 2033 - a reporter's dates, not a groundbreaking.