Study Overview:

Proposals are requested to conduct a transportation study for Graham County/City of Safford/Town of Thatcher/ and Town of Pima and surrounding area. The study area includes the corporate limits of Safford and the neighboring unincorporated portions of Graham County.

The principal focus of the proposed study is to update the 1998 Graham County/City of Safford/Town of Thatcher/ and Town of Pima Small Area Transportation Study. Significant population growth and economic development in the area requires new comprehensive planning to address growing demands placed on roads and streets and multi-use paths.

The major product of the study will be a final report which contains a plan for improvements over five- and ten-year periods, and a long-range transportation plan roadway elements and referenced transit elements from ADOT planning study.

Graham County is mostly high desert plains surrounded by the Gila, Pinaleno, Galiuro and Santa Teresa Mountains. The three incorporated communities of Safford, Thatcher, and Pima represent the principal center of population and economic activity in the County. While agriculture has traditionally been a mainstay of the region, it has evolved to also become a center for light industry as well as the retail and service hub in Southeastern Arizona. Recent population and economic growth is associated with the Freeport McMoRan, Inc mine expansion and emergence as a regional shopping and services center.