Arizona Department of Transportation

The board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the roll call, where a quorum was confirmed, the Chairman acknowledged the hospitality from the PEM Association of Governments and the Southern Arizona Leadership Council regarding a dinner held the previous evening. The meeting then proceeded with the mandatory Title Six Civil Rights Act announcement. Public comments addressed several key issues: concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of the P2P (Project Prioritization Process) study metrics, particularly concerning rapid growth and safety, and a request was made for transparency regarding targeted improvements. Another commenter highlighted the importance of border projects, specifically the modernization of I-19 interchanges at Ruby Road and Rio Rico Drive, the modernization of the Nogales port of entry (which impacts Grand Avenue and I-19 access), and the need to rebuild heavily damaged intersections along Grand Avenue due to excessive commercial truck traffic. A third speaker expressed appreciation for ADOT's current investments in Tucson area TI improvements and supported future critical investments like the I-10 mainline and interchange improvements, as well as the Tucson to Phoenix passenger rail study. Another representative emphasized the needs in Pima County, noting that even with a potential local RTA funding measure, partnership with ADOT for critical projects on I-10 and I-19 will remain essential. Finally, a representative from the Interstate 11 corridor coalition advocated for continued board support for planning and programming efforts for the I-11 corridor to ensure Arizona's competitiveness.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a roll call confirming quorum. Opening remarks from the Chairman and Vice Chair expressed appreciation for the warm welcome received during the previous day's activities in Maricopa, emphasizing the importance of in-person community engagement. The agenda included announcements regarding Title VI Civil Rights Act compliance and procedures for public comment from the audience, both in-person and virtually. Key discussion points focused heavily on transportation infrastructure in Maricopa, particularly the State Route 347 project. A speaker detailed the severe congestion and safety risks following a fatal accident on SR 347, citing personal experience with increased commute times and vehicle damage due to insufficient detour routing onto Casablanca. Another speaker addressed the status of the SR 347 grade separation decision (Cement Plant vs. Casablanca) and praised ADOT staff for explaining the decision. A representative from the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NICOG) discussed regional priority roadway projects, highlighting the need for increased transportation funding and advocating for projects like the SR 89 Forest Ranger Road roundabout project in Sedona to address traffic congestion. A State Representative emphasized the critical nature of SR 347 and I-10 projects for the rapidly growing Maricopa area and pledged legislative support for funding. The Public Works Director for Sedona reiterated the importance of the SR 89 roundabout project for connectivity.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a quorum confirmation. A new board member, former Mesa Mayor John Giles, was welcomed and provided his background, noting extensive experience in regional transportation planning and funding. The primary agenda item involved a discussion on the 2027-2031 Five-Year Plan, presented by the CFO, Tim Newton. Discussions centered on the revenue forecasts for the Highway User Revenue Fund (HERF) and the Regional Area Road Funds (RAPH). The HERF forecast showed a projected decrease in compound growth rate to 2.2% due to less optimistic economic outlooks regarding factors like tariffs and immigration policy, resulting in a projected revenue difference of approximately $678 million through 2031 compared to the previous forecast. RAPH projections, influenced by Maricopa County-specific variables, were more optimistic than the statewide HERF projections, though still reflecting some short-term uncertainty. Board members engaged in discussion regarding the presentation of revenue data consistency, particularly concerning the inclusion of Smart and Safe funds.

The meeting focused on reviewing programmatic updates to projects within the Pima County Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) following approval by the Regional Council in December. Key agenda items included the full programming of the design-build Country Club Kino TI project at $500 million, which was accomplished by deferring five other State system projects within the PEG TIP. Additionally, approval was sought and granted to increase the construction phase funding for the Country Club Kino Parkway TI project by $28.838 million, utilizing returned regional funding from Fiscal Year 23 that could not be obligated on another project. The committee also noted that minutes and recordings are posted within three business days of the meeting.

The meeting commenced with administrative updates, noting a change in proxy representation for Christine Ward, with Elise Maza becoming the full-time representative. Key agenda items included a presentation on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding non-discrimination and accommodation requests. The committee addressed several SMART Fund applications, including requests from Navajo County for engineering services related to grade railroad crossing elimination ($270,000) and for evaluating options to improve school routes, sidewalks, and bike lanes ($170,000). A joint application between ADOT and the City of Yuma for a $3.5 million match for a RAISE grant supporting the new Multimodal Transportation Center was also reviewed. Further action involved approving a $39,000 design for a sidewalk and paving project in the town of Snowflake, establishing scoping services for a bridge replacement project on Someway Road in Navajo County, and approving consultant design fees for that same bridge project. Construction funding of $1.3 million was approved for a pavement rehabilitation project on US 191. The committee also addressed a request to defer a US 191 railroad overpass project from FY24 to FY25 to allow for design solution evaluations. Finally, action was taken to advance a pavement rehab project from FY22 to FY24, adjust mileage limits for coordination with adjacent projects, and approve program dollars for traffic demand mitigation strategies related to the I-10 Broadway curve project, including funding for Valley Metro outreach.