Pima County Residents Urged to Voice Opinions on RTA Next Plan Before January Deadline

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is encouraging public feedback on its proposed 20-year transportation plan until January 31. This draft plan, estimated at $2.4 billion, seeks voter approval in November and has been endorsed by RTA board members, which include representatives from various jurisdictions like Tucson, Pima County, and local tribes.

Key allocations in the proposal encompass $1.4 billion for roadway corridors, $610 million for transit, and provisions for safety projects such as bike lanes and pedestrian improvements. Additionally, $206 million is designated for safety measures, including traffic signal upgrades, while $25 million aims to create wildlife linkages. The plan also allocates $100 million for administrative needs and business support and sets aside $65 million for unforeseen contingencies.

Specific road construction projects listed in the plan include $94 million for improvements to Cortaro Road near I-10, $157 million for widening Colossal Cave Road, and $39 million for expanding Harrison Road. On the transit front, the RTA intends to invest $610 million, earmarking funds for a new bus rapid transit line on Stone Avenue and enhancing the frequency of the Sun Tran system.

If approved, this plan would extend a half-cent sales tax for transportation, first authorized by county voters in 2006. This tax is set to expire in June 2026 and has previously funded many road enhancements across the region, including significant improvements along Broadway and Houghton Road.

Current projects underway include the widening of Grant Road and the Downtown Links project, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure. Notably, previous funding has lagged behind the costs of several projects identified in the 2006 plan, leading to an allocation of $238 million for their completion in the initial five-year phase of the new plan.

The initial 2006 plan garnered broad support from community members and local officials across political lines. However, the latest proposal has ignited disputes among different jurisdictions. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero has voiced concerns that Tucson is inadequately represented in the plan, particularly regarding project distribution and voting power on the RTA board.

Romero aims to secure voter backing for Prop. 414, a separate initiative that would generate roughly $80 million annually for public safety and affordable housing, with the election set for March 11. She believes both the RTA plan and Prop. 414 can significantly benefit the community.

However, some officials, including Oro Valley’s Mayor Joe Winfield, have expressed discontent with the current RTA proposal, leading to a failed effort to advance public commentary on the draft. Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott indicated that revisions might follow the public review process, highlighting the evolving nature of the plan.

As the deadline approaches, RTA spokesperson Sheila Storm confirmed that decisions regarding the potential for a November ballot will need to be made by May, following public input.