1. Councilmember Dave Richins Mesa, Arizona

2.  The Central Mesa Extension of the Light Rail is a 3.1 mile extension that will run from the Sycamore Station to Mesa Drive.  The Gilbert Road Extension will take the light rail another 1.9 miles to Gilbert Road.

3.  The Light Rail Extension connects multiple municipalities with each other and also requires assistance from the County, the State and government agencies.

4.  The project required a partnership between several entities, including cities, the County and the Federal government.

5.  Financial approval and getting a major amendment to the Regional Transportation Plan were the biggest challenges.

6.  The cooperation and assistance between the City of Mesa, regional agencies, other valley cities and the Federal Government was the key factor in making the Light Rail Extension a reality.

7.  The formula is simple: Communicate with everyone involved and exercise patience.

8.  The Central Mesa Extension is scheduled to be completed in mid-2015.  The Gilbert Road Extension is scheduled to be completed in 2018.