40 projects awarded contracts; 484 jobs created or sustained in May and June
The Arizona Department of Transportation is making major inroads on its American Recovery and Reinvestment Act transportation projects, with one highway project already completed, 11 under construction and dozens more nearing startup.
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“Despite these challenging economic times, Arizona is building a solid foundation for the future of our transportation infrastructure,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “A tremendous amount of time and effort has been devoted by our transportation professionals to navigate the federal stimulus bill’s requirements and secure millions of dollars in construction funds.”
More than 480 transportation jobs were created or sustained in May and June, placing Arizona well on its way toward achieving the goal of 6,000 direct jobs through ADOT’s active ARRA projects.
“Arizona continues to stand out as a leader among all the states in getting funds obligated for ARRA projects and getting those projects to construction,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “We have more than 40 Recovery Act projects that are moving forward and we expect several more to be approved, due to the significant cost savings we’ve seen from project bids. It’s a benefit for all Arizonans as we stimulate our economy, make much-needed road improvements, and meet the goals of our state program.”
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Bison Contracting workers are adding shoulders and left-turn lanes to a narrow two-lane segment of SR 87 just south of Pine, Arizona. The $3.7 million project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. |
In Arizona, contractor bids for ARRA projects are coming in on average about 17 percent lower than original engineering estimates. Thirty-eight of the ARRA projects that have gone through the bid opening process have produced an estimated cost savings of $27.8 million. Those funds will be used to finance additional projects that will put more people to work.
Arizona recently received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to use Recovery Act funding for the US 60/Grand Avenue widening project between Loop 303 and 99th Avenue in Maricopa County’s West Valley. This is welcome news to the tens of thousands of drivers who regularly drive through this seriously congested corridor. The project is significant in two other ways. First, it is Arizona’s largest ARRA project—costing an estimated $45 million to add one lane in each direction through a 10-mile stretch. Second, it was the 6,000th highway project in the nation to receive approval for ARRA funding.
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The White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation recently recognized ADOT for its success in obligating funding.
ADOT is well ahead of schedule in meeting federal requirements to obligate 50 percent of the funding within 120 days, and it expects to have 100 percent of the funds obligated well before the one-year deadline.
ADOT will receive an estimated $350 million for its highway projects statewide. Forty projects have been awarded contracts by the State Transportation Board. The remaining projects have contractor bids under review, have been advertised for contractors to submit bids or are preparing plans so contractors can bid on the projects.
For more information about ADOT’s ARRA projects, visit www.azdot.gov/recovery and http://az.gov/recovery/ |
Travelers on westbound I-40 near Flagstaff will have a smoother and safer ride after C.S.&W. Contractors finishes flattening out grades and filling in dips along this four-mile segment. The $5.8 million project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”
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