Minutes of a Public Meeting
PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED SUMMARY
OF A PUBLIC INPUT MEETING,
HELD IN THE CITY OF KINGMAN, FOR THE
GOVERNOR’S TRANSPORTATION VISION 21 TASK FORCE
5:07 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, 1999
Mohave Community College
1971 Jagerson Avenue, 100 Building
Kingman, Arizona
The Governor’s Transportation Vision 21 Task Force met in official session for a Public Meeting at 5:07 p.m., Wednesday, June 16, 1999 with Martin Shultz presiding. Other members in attendance were Lisa Atkins, Steve Basila, Patrick Carlin, Joe Herrick, Rene Redondo and Frank Thorwald. Also present were Stephanie Bondeson, ADOT Project Manager for the task force, and John Carlson, Governor’s Transportation Advisor.
Welcome, Introductions
Mr. Shultz called the meeting to order and had each member in attendance introduce themselves. Mr. Shultz provided a brief overview of the task force, its three committees and the makeup of its membership. Mr. Shultz requested that attendees bring forth specific recommendations rather than simple generalizations when addressing the task force. He outlined the three areas that would be concentrated on during this public meeting: funding; planning, programming and prioritization; and governance.
Comments from Local Elected Officials and from the Public
Ms. Debra Brisk, district engineer, was introduced and provided attendees with an overview of specific transportation requirements for the district. Ms. Brisk showed two videos describing the district in more detail. The videos also highlighted area projects that have been completed, are in-progress or are projected for the future. Ms. Brisk described the logic of the construction plan for three different study sections that make up the area from I-40 to the other side of Wickenburg. She explained that the various segments were based on accident statistics, safety issues and maintenance costs.
Mr. Shultz asked for further clarification of the CANAMEX corridor issue. Ms. Brisk stated that U.S. 93 is a designated NAFTA corridor, which really helped facilitate the movement of a lot of the projects.
Mr. Thorwald inquired as to whether any consideration had been given to a rail component across the bridge in the CANAMEX corridor or between Kingman and Las Vegas. Ms. Brisk stated there had not been. Mr. Thorwald then asked how the bridge was going to be paid for. Ms. Brisk stated that they are pushing for predominately federal monies. Lastly, Mr. Thorwald questioned Ms. Brisk regarding whether there might be a toll component for autos. Ms. Thorwald confirmed that a toll option may come out in the feasibility study.
Mr. John Carlson confirmed that the focus is to go for federal money and not jeopardize any state highway project that relies on ADOT funds. He stated that a report is due at the end of July outlining a range of options.
Mr. Buster Johnson, Supervisor, complimented ADOT on their support and cooperation. He identified HURF funding as an area in which they would like to see change. Mr. Johnson then described issues regarding roads, including the ability to get to the northern part of the county from Lake Havasu, as well as an additional bypass on the I-40 bypass above Kingman going around to hit U.S. 93. They have also looked at a possible bypass around 68 from Kingman to Bullhead City. Mr. Johnson stated that the county understands it will have to take over and maintain the roads in the county area. Mr. Johnson also stated that they had looked into a highway in the Yucca area that would hook into U.S. 93 and S.R. 60 to I-10. He explained that because the terrain is very flat, it would be an easy route to construct.
Mr. Shultz asked Mr. Johnson to describe the nature of the industry they are attracting and hope to attract in the future. Mr. Johnson said they were concentrating on large industry including Griffith Energy Plant as well as a concrete plant and a private prison.
Mayor Les Byram welcomed all attendees and reiterated Mr. Johnson’s appreciation for the work ADOT has done in the area. Mayor Byram cited safety concerns on U.S. 93 as a major issue and expressed hope that this project can be sped up. Mayor Byram also identified the bridge across the Colorado below Hoover Dam as well as rural air service as major priorities.
Mr. Carlin asked Mayor Byram if anything could be done to alleviate the congestion when you get off I-40 and get onto U.S. 93. Mayor Byram stated that while work is currently being done in that area, congestion will continue to be a problem. They are hoping that double lanes coming on and off the interchange will help. Mayor Byram suggested the possibility also exists of a bypass in that area in the future. Mayor Byram indicated that a bypass from 68 to I-40 would be unpopular with business people in Kingman as it would bypass the businesses on the west side of town.
Mr. Shultz inquired as to whether there were any special transportation arrangements made for the senior disabled population. Mayor Byram stated that, while it has been discussed in the past, it would be a very expensive project due to the great distances involved.
Mr. Thorwald asked for an estimate of maintenance and expansion costs for the city over the next 20 years. While Mayor Byram did not state a dollar figure, he suggested an underpass/overpasses over the railroad and improvements on streets and sidewalks as priorities. Mr. Thorwald also questioned Mayor Byram as to the adequacy of the DES formula in projecting growth for the area. Mayor Byram stated he considers it to be fairly accurate.
Mayor Byram was unable to cite specific figures for Mr. Shultz as to the amount of traffic on S.R. 68, but indicated it was quite congested.
Mr. Alex Capillo, councilman of Hualapai tribe, thanked Ms. Brisk for her assistance in getting their tribe involved in the transportation process. Mr. Capillo described a public land highway discretionary fund proposal recently submitted to the state engineering offices. He stated that the tribe is also pursuing funding to bring growth to Grand Canyon West. He highlights this as being a major transportation project because the tribe’s goal is economic self sufficiency within the next 20 years. Mr. Capillo also suggested that paving Diamond Bar Road will greatly enhance the opportunity for people to see the Grand Canyon and help reduce the overcrowding at the South Rim. Mr. Capillo listed three areas in which he has asked for the task force’s consideration. First was support of the discretionary fund proposal, second was for directional signage on S.R. 93 and I-40 as well as other area interstates for directions to Grand Canyon West, and lastly is that a meaningful effort be made towards collaboration and cooperation between all Indian tribes in terms of the transportation needs of Arizona. Mr. Capillo expressed his hope that the task force understands the importance of economic self sufficiency in Indian country and its effect on remote areas of the state. He stated there are infrastructure dollars that can be used in joint efforts to benefits cities, counties and states.
Mr. Shultz asked Mr. Capillo to prepare specific written recommendations regarding what he has in mind for the Hualapais. Mr. Capillo agreed to prepare something and send it to Mr. Shultz. Mr. Capillo shared that tribes across Arizona contribute over 400 million dollars to the state economy; the Hualapai tribe contributes over 40 million dollars to the Mohave County economy. He suggested that the task force look at regional efforts to pool fuel tax dollars and address safety issues for the region.
Councilman Paul McCormick, city of Kingman, read an open letter from Carol S. Anderson, Supervisor, District One. Ms. Anderson outlined a series of projects discussed during a Mohave County meeting. She suggested creating a new county or state highway from I-15 on the Arizona strip in the area of the Black Rock interchange, southward to an area near the old Bonelli crossing, then continuing southward to Antares Road connecting to S.R. 66. She also suggested realigning S.R. 68 east-west through Golden Valley to go north of the existing S.R. 68. Other issues she raised included a proposal for the realignment of S.R. 95 from S.R. 68 southward to I-40 and upgrading Diamond Bar Road to at least two-lane highway standards. Regional airports and the proposed I-66 corridor on the Arizona strip were also mentioned. No priorities were set for these projects by those attending the Mohave County meeting, however, Ms. Anderson lists her first priority as the completion of the new bridge over the Colorado River at Hoover Dam. She feels the Diamond Bar Road upgrade is of high priority also, as it will help with tourist development and income for both the Hualapai tribe and the Kingman area. Ms. Anderson feels these projects, as well as improvements to the Kingman airport and the I-66 proposal, are of significant value.
Mr. McCormick suggested an offramp at the parkway allowing direct access to the industrial development at the airport would also be beneficial. He seconded Mayor Byram’s suggestion that a railroad under/overpass is also needed to relieve congestion and help connect the two sides of the city. Mr. McCormick also stated that it has been proposed that the county adopt a half cent sales tax to help with immediate transportation needs.
Mr. Shultz commented on the importance of the waffle lines to the Griffith project transmission system which have been referred to as part of the option process for Hoover. Mr. McCormick agreed stating that they allow us to move into the western power system. Mr. Shultz went on to suggest that attention be paid to how Griffith is going to tap into that line in terms of interconnection.
Mr. Thorwald suggested, on behalf of Carol Columbo from the CANAMEX Task Force, that the two task forces have a joint meeting at some point to better coordinate activities between the two groups. Mr. Shultz stated he thought it was already in the plans.
Mr. Mark Clark was introduced and proposed that ADOT shift to a longer range planning mode, 20 to 30 years. He stated they were pleased with the increased traffic signal funding and the State Transportation Board’s representation of rural Arizona. Mr. Clark mentioned the transit system which provides approximately 90,000 rides a year, a third of which are provided to senior citizens. He also talked about the IDD tax, a property tax in Lake Havasu City, which has subsidized funding for the maintenance of streets and roads. This tax may eventually go away and without funding to draw from, Mr. Clark fears a lower level of service on these roadways will result. Additionally, Mr. Clark stated that while the HURF funding works well for Lake Havasu City, it does not provide enough funding for areas like Kingman where they have a population outside the city that doesn’t contribute to HURF funds. Mr. Clark also touched on the 50 percent reduction in airport funding.
Mr. Clark outlined two major projects Lake Havasu City sees as a long range planning process. First is a bypass or internal loop. A cost of 15 to 20 million dollars is anticipated, but they are looking at requiring developers to include that as part of their internal transportation system as development occurs outside the city limits and annexes into the city in mile segments. The second project is the construction of a new bridge to the island. Mr. Clark explained that the probable solution will be continued increasing of gas taxes and therefore HURF funding. He questioned whether HURF funding could be used for transit as a whole rather than just streets.
Mr. Clark confirmed for Mr. Shultz that Lake Havasu City has not seen a lot of support for sales tax increases as a solution for their internal road problems.
Mr. Thorwald asked whether the DES formula is working for Lake Havasu City in terms of population. Mr. Clark stated that in July ’98 the DES numbers were 39,900. Lake Havasu City’s estimation was 41,000-42,000. The difference between these numbers though can be attributed to full-time residents versus those who reside in Lake Havasu City for three to six months each year. Additionally, Mr. Thorwald inquired as to the affect the expiration of the IDD will have. Mr. Clark explained that they hope to go to the state legislature and get an exception that will allow them to at least be back up to what the IDD was doing. He stated though that it would mean a 10 percent change in what they currently are able to do. Lastly, Mr. Thorwald questioned Mr. Clark regarding the affect on the community that the Growing Smarter initiative will have. Mr. Clark explained that since everything was subsidized and everything was within the city limits, it does not affect them too much.
Mr. Clark confirmed for Mr. Olney that they are talking about having developers actually fund some of the construction on the right of way and the corridors. He said the developer's response has not been too negative.
Mr. Josh Richardson highlighted the fact that as Mohave County grows, the cities grow together. He explained that there are housing areas the entire way from Bullhead City to Kingman and that it won’t be long before Lake Havasu and Bullhead City are one continuous town. He suggested that the task force look at transit systems including the possibility of a light rail system as well as the use of the Colorado for boat travel. Mr. Richardson said there are difficulties due to the large number of winter, as well as weekend visitors, as they are not included in the census and therefore not taken into consideration in funding. Mr. Richardson stated that Bullhead City is not against the 95 bypass project as many think, they simply want more communication and clarification as to the economic impact it will have and where funding will come from since their HURF funds are already stretched. Other questions they would like answered are how the new road will be tied to the city and how traffic will come through. Another issued raised by Mr. Richardson is the need for a new bridge in the southern area of Bullhead City.
Mr. Richardson brought up another issue which, although he feels the task force will be unable to assist, he would like to make them aware of it. The Bullhead City area is a checkerboard, BIA bureau ground which results in spotty development. The state ground is up for sale, but does not tend to sell quickly as roadways have to be put in. The city then has to pay for the roads as well as the land on which they sit. Mr. Richardson suggested it would be a benefit if the city did not have to purchase the state ground just to build a road through it.
Mr. Richardson outlined the top priorities for Bullhead City as being the state ground issue and having the state come down and talk to Bullhead City about the different issues and impact of the 95 proposal.
Mr. Shultz introduced Mr. Norm Hicks, the former mayor of Bullhead City and current executive director, chief operating officer of the Mohave County Airport Authority. Mr. Hicks raised the issue of Governor Hull’s veto of House Bill 2600 which sought to restore a very small portion of the flight property tax revenues, which were taken two legislative sessions ago and added to the state’s general fund in an effort to balance the state’s budget. Mr. Hicks states that Arizona’s rural air service is appallingly expensive, if at all available for citizens of rural Arizona. Mr. Hicks recognized the equal importance of restoring all of the flight property tax revenues and the aviation property fund to ensure funding will be made available for those commitments which have been placed upon it by the airports in our state. He expressed his hope that the Vision 21 Task Force committee will discuss the implication of the Governor’s wishes and that appropriate representatives from the State Transportation board, Growing Smarter Arizona Commission and the rural economic viability and development subcommittee will have the opportunity for a thorough review of possible courses of action. Mr. Hicks stated Arizona should be granted not only the much needed infrastructure development at local airports, but also be afforded the competitively priced air service. Mr. Hicks offered to assist in these activities.
Mr. Shultz informed Mr. Hicks that the task force has met with Jack Pfister, Maria Baier and Steve Betts in a general conversation about the Growing Smarter Commission’s draft report, although they did not specifically get into this area. Mr. Shultz will consult with Dr. Megdal, but would expect to have the needs committee look at the details of this issue. Mr. Hicks noted Joe Hart as being one of the primary sponsors of the bill.
Mr. Carlson stated that a very specific work plan is being developed and will be presented to Representative Hart some time next week. He further mentioned the possibility of combining the different funding sources such as GADA and more of the flight property tax to bring these rural airports to self sufficiency.
Mr. Shultz asked Mr. Carlson to narrow down when the work would be done. Mr. Carlson stated his goals is to bring it to the task force for recommendation before the end of August. Mr. Hicks highlighted that approximately five million people come through the community annually and, if it weren’t for grants and funds from the state aviation trust fund and the FAA program, Bullhead City would not be able to build or do anything.
Mr. Shultz suggested that Mr. Hicks put together a list of Bullhead City’s transportation needs and other key needs in Mohave County.
Mr. Dennis Roberts, director of community development for the city of Kingman, was introduced. Mr. Roberts stated that it has been a great benefit to Kingman and Mohave County in general since ADOT created the Kingman district. He suggests that in the future ADOT give district engineers in rural communities a little more authority to deal with some issues so that time frames are shortened. Mr. Roberts also reviewed the importance of the small areas transportation planning program. He states these programs provide a great opportunity for partnering with, in their case, Mohave County, WACOG and ADOT. Mr. Roberts also suggested that the task force look at the corridor studies that have been done. He states that unfortunately, nothing has been heard about the I-40 corridor study since it was completed. He goes on to say that the 93 corridor study, which was completed four or five years ago talked about the need to start looking at a bypass option for Highway 93 and the I-40 connection. Nothing has happened with those discussions to date. Mr. Roberts also lists improvements on Stockton Hill Road and the center TI as additional issues. Mr. Roberts suggested that as we deal with moving people through the state and look at what the state transportation system is supposed to be, MAG needs to realize that, while Phoenix is the hub, those people are coming and going from other parts of the state. He feels those corridors, such as Highway 93 and the Beeline Highway are important roadways.
Mr. Roberts identified the automated message signs as being another important project going on in the state. He feels this needs to continue and be made a top priority. He also lists the problems of barriers created by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as being an issue, and suggests there needs to be better coordination and communication through the Corporation Commission to provide assistance to communities trying to deal with the railroads. Mr. Roberts stated that ADOT also creates similar barriers and cites I-40 as an example. He states it is very difficult to plan and/or afford to deal with those types of issues.
Mr. Shultz requested that Mr. Roberts help prioritize the comments that have been made by he and several others in today’s meeting. Mr. Roberts agreed. Mr. Roberts further states that when processing plans through ADOT, 10 to 15 percent additional costs are added to the project because of Davis Bacon wages. He also states that when filing projects through the ADOT offices, not only are costs added, but up to one to two years are added to the project life before construction actually begins.
The meeting was recessed for a short break from 7:35 p.m. to 7:47 p.m.
Mr. Dave Barber, deputy director of the Western Arizona Council of Governments, recognized that COGs have had an important role in the state construction program by identifying projects within regions which may be eligible for state and federal funding. He briefly described the population growth in the Mohave County area. He identified bridge and rail projects in Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City as well as a new I-40 interchange for Kingman as projects which local entities will have to fund. He states improvements need to continue on Arizona state routes and roadways and well as the development of a transit system to handle the increase in transit dependent population in rural communities. Mr. Barber suggests maintaining the current responsibilities of the Arizona district engineers and rural transportation planning efforts through the councils of governments and expand the overall work program to include long range transportation plans. Long range plans are currently done in urbanized areas and MPOs, but the rural COGs have not had that responsibility. Mr. Barber cites small area transportation studies as being key to the development of local five-year construction programs and in identifying true local projects which can be funded within the region. He suggests the creation of a new project funding for projects not fundable under current federal guidelines including bridge, rail and scenic projects. He goes on to suggest that a committee be created to act as a clearinghouse to coordinate transit monies. Mr. Barber recommends the continuation and expansion of the design build efforts across the state. He expressed concern that pavement preservation resources be maintained or increased so the district engineers have resources to maintain safe highways across the state. He further believes the state fuel tax should be increased. Continued support of the NAFTA corridor and construction on the Hoover Dam bypass using discretionary funds and lobbying Congressional delegates for additional money were also discussed by Mr. Barber. He also stated he would like to see district engineers allowed to contract with local engineering firms for the development of transportation enhancement projects which impact multi-use paths in the region.
Mr. Shultz questioned Mr. Barber as to why he and others refer to a fuel tax increase as controversial. Mr. Barber stated that, in his opinion, the voting population may not understand the increase in state fuel taxes without it being a project specific adjustment.
Mr. Herrick questioned Mr. Barber as to the estimated size of the increase in the fuel tax. Mr. Barber suggested it be staggered in slowly over a five-year period.
Mr. Thorwald asked how he would avoid the COGs and MPOs fighting over the money and how, if the tax increase was project specific, would he expect to get the vote from people that the project wouldn’t directly benefit. Mr. Barber suggested that, if a special set aside was set up, a county or city who receives funding in a two or three year period of time would then be prohibited from reapplying for that source of funds.
Mr. Thorwald then asked what Mr. Barber’s thoughts on toll roads as a source of revenue were. Mr. Barber expressed support of toll roads, but explained that statewide education of the population would be necessary for it to be accepted.
Mayor Byram commented that he feels raising the fuel tax is a sensible way to meet transportation needs and the people using the roads would then be paying the brunt of it. Mr. Shultz asked Mayor Byram if he felt it was time to give the elected officials the authority to make the transportation decisions either statewide or for their region. Mayor Byram stated that, if there was a district manager, as they have now, who kept everyone informed on what was going on, he would be willing to assume some responsibilities. Mr. Lou Sorensen, city planner of Kingman stated that Kingman, being a common law city, has the ability to raise taxes without going to the people for a vote, although they have no authority to raise fuel taxes.
Mr. Charles Shull suggested that Pierce Ferry Road be taken over as a state highway. He has spoken to the public works supervisor and the county would be willing to take over a section of Highway 66 which is now state as a trade-off. He also implied people in the city would not vote for a tax increase because they do not see the benefits when they already have paved roads. People outside the cities are more willing to support a tax increase because they live in areas with dirt roads and need help.
Closing comments and adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
MARTIN SHULTZ, Co-Chairperson
A complete transcript of this meeting is available for review, upon request.
