INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS
Design and Construction Agreements, Central Phoenix/East Valley LRT Project, Phoenix, AZ

Project Description
The CP/EV LRT Project was a $1.4B, 20-mile light rail project connecting the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. This project was the first light rail project in the Phoenix area and the first project embarked upon by the newly formed Valley Metro Rail; an organization governed by the local cities. The project consisted mostly of a double track, street running system including a 1,500’ long bridge over Tempe Town Lake and a maintenance shop access created using ADOT rights of way. The major stakeholders in the Project included VMR, the City of Phoenix, the City of Tempe, and the City of Mesa. The Project was funded using federal and local funds.

SG&A Scope of Work/Challenges
SG&A was contracted by Valley Metro Rail (METRO) to create a Design & Construction Agreement for the Project.

The challenge with this Project was the fact each city involved was unique and specific on its needs and each City had a role as a governing body of METRO and would at the highest level, be empowered to sign or not sign each agreement. Additionally, each City had significant apprehension with the implementation of a light rail system in City streets, what it would look like, how it would benefit/impact the public, and other concerns common to a rail start-up project in a community.

Success Story
The Design & Construction Agreements were a success and weathered the design and construction of the Project. Early in the agreement process, it was determined independent agreements would work best due to the number of unique issues each city had, the approval process required, and the timing of getting the agreements signed and in place. SG&A’s approach to the agreements was one of consistency where possible for the benefit of METRO who would be party to all three agreements. SG&A’s experience with light rail projects provided a forum for information to be exchanged from a neutral source raising the confidence of City stakeholders that implementing light rail in city streets could be successful. Relationships formed during the agreement process carried the Project through many issues; a testament to a successful process.