ADOT identifies $1 billion in economic recovery projects

The Arizona Department of Transportation has identified more than $1.3 billion in potential transportation projects that could be funded by a federal economic recovery package.

ADOT”s initial projects are among 5,000 identified across the nation to improve and expand the transportation network. In all, $64 billion in projects are being suggested to bolster transportation infrastructure and support an economic recovery. That translates to a national impact of more than 1.8 million jobs, about 35,000 of which would be in Arizona.

All of the projects in Arizona and nationwide are considered “ready-to-go,” meaning they can all be under contract within 180 days. Potential projects in Arizona include:
· Loop 303 (Maricopa County), Lake Pleasant Road to I-17: $146 million
· Interstate 10 (Maricopa County), Sarival Road to Dysart Road: $59 million
· Interstate 10 (Pinal County), I-8 to SR 87: $50 million
· Interstate 17 (Yavapai County), Cordes Junction Traffic Interchange: $50 million
· State Route 260 (Gila County), Little Green Valley Roadway: $30 million
· US 191 (Apache County), Sanders Traffic Interchange: $20 million
· Statewide transit improvements: $8.5 million
· Projects as recommended by local airport authorities: $355 million

Arizona’s multimodal approach will present projects incorporating improvements to highways, airports and transit services across the state.

“Infrastructure is a lasting investment – we can improve our transportation network while getting our neighbors back to work on projects that make a difference,” said ADOT Director Victor Mendez.

“We have critical needs in our state and can quickly move forward with more than 100 projects around Arizona, as soon as Congress acts. Arizona, like most states, is facing a pressing budget deficit for maintaining critical infrastructure. An economic recovery package would help us address several of the most timely problems and meet the needs of travelers, commerce and communities,” Mendez said.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) graded American infrastructure in 2005 and found deteriorating conditions with needs outpacing allocated funds. The ASCE estimated that nationwide infrastructure funding needs totaled $1.6 trillion over a five-year period. While Arizona fared better than some states in the quality of existing transportation infrastructure, highway improvement and expansion remains under funded.

More information:
Arizona Department of Transportation (including complete list of projects): www.azdot.gov.

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