PHOENIX — In today’s fast-paced world, a reliable transportation system is vital, as people and commerce move through a statewide network to get to where they’re going. To keep pace, the transportation needs of tomorrow take planning and investment to ensure that Arizona stays competitive and meets the needs of a growing state.
That’s why the Arizona Department of Transportation is looking 25 years down the road to determine the best mix of investment to preserve, modernize and expand the state transportation system with the resources available. It’s a project called the Long Range Transportation Plan, and it’s updated every five years.
Starting next week, ADOT will host a series of workshops across the state that are designed for community members, businesses and stakeholders to provide their input and ideas to shape the long-range vision for Arizona’s transportation system. These “Think Ahead about Transportation” workshops will be the foundation to begin the process of updating ADOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan, also known as What Moves You Arizona.
“As Governor Ducey pointed out in his State of the State speech last week, Arizona’s goals include growing our economy, while providing opportunity for all through our ability to work together,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “The work ahead on our Long Range Transportation Plan allows us to accomplish those goals, to ensure Arizona has a transportation system that carries us forward.”
While ADOT’s Long Range Plan is not project-specific, it identifies investment priorities based on current and projected transportation funding over the next 25 years. However, limited revenues will not meet all current and future transportation needs. The process requires distributing transportation funding in order to balance preservation, expansion and modernization of our system.
The 11 “Think Ahead about Transportation” workshops that have been scheduled are listed here. Additional workshops will be scheduled for the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Western Arizona Workshops
- Wednesday, Jan. 27: 1 to 3 p.m.
Mohave County Public Works: Turquoise Room
3675 E. Andy Devine Ave., Kingman, 86401 - Tuesday, Feb. 23: 2 to 4 p.m.
Lake Havasu City Police Department: Meeting Room
2360 McCulloch Blvd. N, Lake Havasu City, 86403
Northern Arizona Workshops
- Thursday, Jan. 28: 10 a.m. to noon
Prescott Valley Public Library: Crystal Room
7401 E. Civic Circle, Prescott Valley, 86314 - Wednesday, Feb. 3: 1 to 3 p.m.
Navajo County Public Works: Chevelon Room
100 W. Public Works Dr., Holbrook, 86025 - Wednesday, Feb. 17: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Little America Hotel
2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, 86004 - Thursday, Feb. 25: 1 to 3 p.m.
High Country Conference Center: Agassiz Ballroom
201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, 86001
Central Arizona Workshops
- Thursday, Feb. 11: 1 to 3 p.m.
City of Globe Municipal Building
150 N. Pine St., Globe, 85501 - Thursday, Feb. 25: noon to 2 p.m.
Casa Grande Council Chambers
510 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, 85122
Southern Arizona Workshops
- Thursday, Feb. 11: 1 to 3 p.m.
Cochise College: Benson Center
1025 S. Hwy 90, Benson, 85602 - Thursday, Feb. 18: 1 to 3 p.m.
Pima Association of Governments
1 E. Broadway, Ste. 401, Tucson, 85701 - Wednesday, Feb. 24: 1 to 3 p.m.
Yuma County Library: Heritage Branch
350 Third Ave., Yuma, 85364
It’s up to the public, policymakers and communities to tell ADOT what’s important to them throughout the long range planning process and to prioritize projects and funding for those projects.
Visit azdot.gov/whatmovesyouarizona for more information on ADOT’s Long Range Transportation Plan. You can leave a comment at azdot.gov/whatmovesyouarizona/comments. The final version of the plan is expected to be complete in early 2017.