Liz Rizkallah

The meeting included a call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call to establish a quorum. Discussion topics focused on regional infrastructure needs, including improvements to US 180, upgrades for the I-17 and 179 interchange, and safety concerns related to Highway 89. Additionally, participants provided updates on the State Route 347 project in the City of Maricopa and celebrated the naming of the Navajo Code Talker Jimmy Preston Memorial Bridge.

The committee reviewed and approved several project modifications and new initiatives, including road rehabilitation, bridge scour retrofits, drainage improvements, traffic signal installations, and video wall replacements across various districts. Key actions involved establishing new projects, increasing budgets for existing programs, and deferring certain projects to future fiscal years. The committee also received a program monitoring report.

The committee reviewed the Five Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program and took actions regarding the Rural Transportation (AZ-SMART) fund. Key discussions included a program monitoring report, the review of Economic Strengths Fund applications, and the approval of various project modifications, new projects, and airport-related initiatives. The committee also addressed specific budget increases, project scope changes, and the establishment of new scoping and design projects.

The committee reviewed the Program Monitoring Report and current financial updates. Several project modifications and new projects were discussed and approved, including scoping projects for Pearce Rd at Middle March Creek and Leslie Canyon Rd at Leslie Creek, pavement rehabilitation for the San Simon to New Mexico State Line section, and a workforce capacity analysis study. Additionally, rail-highway safety upgrades were approved for Tilbury Drive, Park Avenue, and Alder Lane. The committee also authorized drainage improvements for Phx Park Wash, erosion control for Laguna Creek Bridge Wash, a state rail plan update, and camera replacement on I-10. A project for the 35th Avenue and Indian School Road intersection was approved, while a project involving widening the Gila River Bridge was withdrawn from consideration.

The committee reviewed the Program Monitoring Report and confirmed that no AZ Smart applications were submitted. Action was taken regarding the Jackrabbit Trail traffic interchange project, which involved a budget decrease for one project component and a budget increase for another. These project modifications were approved in a single motion.