Governor’s chief of staff talks smart growth for Pinal County and Arizona

Where are Pinal County and the rest of the state headed when it comes to smart growth? The answer may be a little clearer for area residents after a visit Friday morning from Alan Stephens, chief of staff for operations for Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Stephens spoke to members of the Pinal Partnership during a breakfast at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and Resort.

Noting that Arizona is growing as a whole, Stephens said six months ago the state went from number two to number one nationwide in growth.

“It is estimated that in 2040-2045 there will be 1.9 million people in Pinal County,” Stephens said. “You will be the second largest county in the state.” As of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006 estimates, Pinal County was ranked third statewide in population, trailing only Maricopa and Pima counties.

At the start of the year, Gov. Napolitano in her State of the State Address requested that her Growth Cabinet, which is comprised of various state department directors, present her with a plan to grow smarter into the coming years.

In communities across the nation concern is reportedly increasing that current development patterns are no longer in the long-term interest of cities, existing suburbs, small towns, rural communities or wilderness areas. While supportive of growth, communities are reportedly questioning the economic costs involved in abandoning city infrastructure, only to reconstruct it further away.

The smart growth movement is being pushed by demographic shifts, a solid environmental ethic, growing fiscal concerns and increased views of growth. The end result is both a new demand and a new chance for smart growth.

Stephens told inmaricopa.com that transportation and water issues were two key items for Pinal County to continue focusing on as the region grows. “Pinal County growth is coming, and this allows you a chance to plan accordingly,” Stephens said.

In his speech to the Partnership, Stephens pointed out that transportation remains a key component of smart growth.

“Transportation is an important element in Pinal County and all over Arizona,” Stephens said. “We have to deal with the fact that congestion is multiplying faster than the population.” Stephens said he is aware that Pinal County has looked at transportation issues and is working with the state and other partners in the region.

Earlier this year Napolitano proposed an extra $400 million for state highway construction, which she hoped to secure by extending the terms for state transportation bonds from 20 to 30 years.

Mass transit is one area that state officials are looking at to ease congestion across Arizona. Napolitano gave the Arizona Department of Transportation three months to turn in several options for mass transit, including commuter rail and light rail. Stephens noted that Pinal County is looking at commuter rail and is putting money away for this.

Stephens also addressed Arizona’s need to maintain adequate drinking water levels to meet the ever increasing needs of residents. It is projected that 16 million residents will call Arizona home by 2050. With that population increase more development will be necessary.

“We do have enough water in the Active Management Areas,” Stephens said. “I know Pinal County is looking at Active Management Areas.”

The state’s Active Management Areas were formed to offer long-term management and conservation of their limited groundwater supplies. Under Arizona law developers in AMAs have to ensure 100-year water supplies for their projects.