PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is getting a jump-start on available federal funding in 2012 by applying for federal discretionary grants that could fund four different state transportation projects, if approved.
The grant applications, which were submitted to the Federal Highway Administration in early January, will attempt to direct a portion of more than $200 million in federal funding grants to four key Arizona projects, with the greatest emphasis placed on making critically needed improvements to the Interstate 15 corridor in the northwestern corner of the state. Two different grant applications under different categories were submitted by ADOT with the hopes of securing funding for I-15.
"Investing in the critical infrastructure of I-15 remains one of ADOT's top priorities, but federal funding remains elusive," said ADOT Director John Halikowski. "As an agency, we are looking at all options to fund these projects to ensure the continued safety of motorists who use our state highway system."
ADOT recently applied for nearly $100 million in federal funds through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program, also known as TIGER grants, to help offset costs for I-15 improvements and two other projects. However, Arizona did not receive any funds through the TIGER grant process.
ADOT is hoping for success with the federal discretionary grants. The department submitted two applications for an I-15 bridge reconstruction project, which totals $27 million, under the Highways for Life and Interstate Maintenance categories.
Arizona's federal discretionary grant applications include:
- I-15 Virgin River Bridge (Cost = $27 million): The I-15 bridge (milepost 16) is located in the Virgin River Gorge in the northwestern corner of Arizona and serves as a vital link between the states of California, Nevada, Utah and beyond. The bridge, built in 1973, is rated as "structurally deficient," meaning it is safe, but requires repair or improvement. While most Arizonans have never driven on this remote 29-mile stretch of highway, it is part of the CANAMEX Corridor, a trade route in North America linking Alberta, Canada and Mexico City. The rehabilitation project would include the replacement of the bridge's superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway.
- Needle Mountain Safety Rest Area (Cost = $14 million): ADOT would build a new safety rest area at I-40 and Needle Mountain Road at milepost 3 along this major freight corridor. The rest area will include a welcome center, rest room facilities and pet area. It would replace the 30-year-old Haviland rest area at milepost 22 along I-40. The new Needle Mountain rest area would provide additional truck parking and save on long-term maintenance, as well as water and electricity costs.
- State Route 260: Lion Springs Section (Cost = $36 million): This project will complete the final section of improvements on SR 260—a continuous four-lane roadway between Payson and Heber. SR 260 serves as a major access route to recreational areas above and below the Mogollon Rim within the Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves national forests. It is also a commercial link between the Phoenix-metropolitan area and several towns north and east of Payson, as well as a connecting route to Interstate 40 near Holbrook.
- SMART Transportation Guidelines (Cost = $350,000): ADOT would develop a Smart Transportation Guidebook to create guidance on effective ways to address a wide range of livability and sustainability concepts. The guidebook will serve as a reference for integrating land use and transportation, complete streets concepts, planning for alternate modes of transportation, designing for community character and livability, and incorporating more sustainability opportunities. It will help ADOT manage capacity through smart transportation strategies that focus on preserving existing investments and integrating transportation decisions with sound local land-use planning.
In addition to the four ADOT grant applications for state projects, the agency also submitted eight grant applications on behalf of local cities, towns and counties. A number of the grant categories require a state or local match to receive federal money.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to make a decision on the award of discretionary grant funding in the next couple of months.
