Phoenix Sky Harbor will use $10 million in federal funds on a project to reconnect disadvantaged and underserved communities next to the airport with downtown Phoenix, city officials said.

The money comes from a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant and will be used to create what the city is calling a Cultural Corridor.

It will consist of several elements such as ADA-compliant sidewalks, more streetlights and protected bike lanes, “wayfinding elements” and historic building/site markers, bus shelters, re-establishment of utility connections and public art, according to a release.

“This grant will provide us with an opportunity to make significant improvements in the area,” District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington said.

“Our residents were clear that they wanted to return vacant lots to productive use so that we can create a vibrant live-work environment, and they wanted to celebrate the rich history of our community. This grant will allow us to respond to those requests.”

The Cultural Corridor project was created as part of the PHX Land Reuse Strategy, officials said.

The Phoenix Aviation Department “in conjunction with community organizations, neighborhoods and other stakeholders developed a strategy that could help accelerate the redevelopment of airport-owned parcels west of the airport,” the release stated.

“The main goals include stabilizing and strengthening neighborhoods, creating a sense of identity and change perceptions, and expand economic opportunity.”

The Cultural Corridor is bounded by 7th Street on the west, 16th Street and Sky Harbor Circle on the east, Union Pacific Railroad on the north and I-17 on the south. 

It includes the historic Central City South/Nuestro Barrio neighborhoods of El Campito, Cuatro Milpas, Ann Ott, Green Valley and San Juan Batista.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the money will allow the city to “honor the legacies, histories and identities of existing communities while also improving safety and mobility in the region.

“I represented this district for many years as a councilwoman and know firsthand that this project will have an immediate, positive impact once complete.”