The state Senate has passed a bill that would require the auditor general to conduct a feasibility study of new light rail expansion projects.
The study would have to include a review of environmental and economic impacts on local businesses, and compare light rail to autonomous transit vehicles, like buses or shuttles.
While proponents say an up-to-date study would be beneficial, opponents say similar studies are already done before all light rail projects start.
“It does create a redundant, potentially biased, study process that will inevitably, despite what we hear the speaker saying, delay projects that Maricopa County voters have already approved," Democratic Sen. Lauren Kuby said.
The bill now goes to the House.
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