MINUTES OF THE MARICOPA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS TRANSPORTATION POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING February 12, 2020 MAG Office, Saguaro Room Phoenix,

MEMBERS ATTENDING Glendale, Mayor Jerry Weiers: Chair Mesa: Mayor Phoenix: Mayor , Vice Chair #Peoria: Councilmember Bridget Avondale: Mayor Kenneth Weise Binsbacher Buckeye: Mayor Jackie Meck #Queen Creek: Mayor Gail Barney *Chandler: Mayor Kevin Hartke Roc Arnett Consulting: Roc Arnett *Gila River Indian Community: Lt. Scottsdale: Councilmember Suzanne Klapp Governor Robert Stone State Transportation Board: Sam Elters Gilbert, Mayor Sunland Asphalt: Doug DeClusin Goodyear: Mayor Georgia Lord Surprise: Mayor Skip Hall #Huellmantel and Affiliates: Charles Swift Transportation: Dave Berry Huellmantel Tempe: Mayor Mark Mitchell Maricopa: Mayor Christian Price Vulcan Materials Company: Mark Maricopa County Board of Supervisors: Reardon Supervisor Jack Sellers

* Those members neither present nor represented by proxy. # Participated by telephone conference call.

1. Call to Order

A video on public input opportunities was played.

The meeting of the Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) was called to order by Chair Jerry Weiers, Glendale, at 11:30 a.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Chair Weiers reminded committee members to turn on their microphones before they speak and to validate their parking stamps before leaving the meeting.

1 3. Call to the Audience

An opportunity was provided to members of the public to address the Transportation Policy Committee on items not scheduled on the agenda that fall under the jurisdiction of MAG, or on items on the agenda for discussion but not for action. Citizens will be requested not to exceed a three-minute period for their comments. A total of 15 minutes is provided for the Call to the Audience agenda item, unless the Transportation Policy Committee requests an exception to this limit. Those wishing to comment on agenda items posted for action will be provided the opportunity at the time the item is heard.

No comment cards were received.

4. Approval of Consent Agenda

Chair Weiers stated that agenda items 4A through 4F were on the Consent Agenda.

Chair Weiers noted that public comment is provided for consent items. No comment cards were received.

Mr. Sam Elters asked about information included as part of agenda item #4B, Safety Performance Targets for 2020. He expressed concern the State anticipates a three percent increase in fatalities over the next year. Mr. Elters noted historically, the State has tried to reduce the number of fatalities from the previous year. He asked for an explanation of the targets.

MAG Transportation Safety Program Manager Margaret Herrera explained the State develops the annual performance targets. She introduced State Traffic Safety Engineer Kerry Wilcoxon to discuss the process for target development.

Mr. Wilcoxon said his office compiles the Safety Performance Target projections annually. He indicated that based on historical statewide data, the number of crashes are increasing in direct relation to the miles traveled on the Arizona’s roadways. The projections published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are not a reflection of the State’s goals to reduce crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities but reflect trends and crash data. Mr. Wilcoxon commented he would much rather see a downward trend in the data.

Mr. Elters stated there were more than 1,000 fatalities on Arizona’s roadways in 2019. He said he would anticipate the State’s transportation safety plan would include measures to bring that number down. Mr. Elters added that a three percent increase on 1,000 fatalities

2 is a lot of deaths. Mr. Wilcoxon responded by saying officials at the state level and in the MAG region are trying to reduce those numbers and recently updated the Strategic Transportation Plan for the next five years. The top goal of the plan is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Arizona’s roadways. He added officials at ADOT as well as MAG are focusing their efforts on making roads that are as safe as possible, but said an uncontrollable factor is driver behavior. Officials hope to begin a conversation with the public to make better choices like choosing not to drive while drinking, texting, speeding, or while distracted.

Chair Weiers asked members if they would like to remove or have a presentation on any of the other Consent Agenda items. No additional requests were noted.

Mayor Jenn Daniels moved approval of the Consent Agenda items. Mayor Weise seconded, and the vote on the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Barney, Vice Mayor Binsbacher, Mr. Huellmantel, voted in favor of the motion via teleconference.

4A. Approval of the January 18, 2020, Meeting Minutes

The Transportation Policy Committee, by consent, approved the January 18, 2020, meeting minutes.

4B. Safety Performance Targets for 2020

The Transportation Policy Committee, by consent, recommended approval of supporting the Safety Performance Targets for 2020 established by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

In March 2016, the Federal Highway Administration announced the Final Rule for Road Safety Performance, which specified five Safety Performance Measures. Each state DOT is required to establish and report on Performance Measures and Targets for calendar year 2018, with the first such report due by August 31, 2017, and annually thereafter. The Arizona DOT has established revised statewide Safety Performance Targets for calendar year 2020 and have reported them to FHWA. The FHWA Final Rule requires that MPOs must also establish safety targets and report on them to the state DOT. The Arizona DOT has recommended that MPOs in the state adopt the statewide targets. On January 28, 2020, the MAG Transportation Safety Committee reviewed the statewide targets and unanimously recommended that MAG adopt the ADOT established safety targets and to help attain those targets with the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads in the State of Arizona.

3 4C. Project Changes - Amendment and Administrative Modification to the FY 2018-2022 MAG Transportation Improvement Program, and 2040 MAG Regional Transportation Plan and Errata Sheet Changes to the Draft FY 2020-2024 MAG Transportation Improvement Program as Appropriate

The Transportation Policy Committee, by consent, recommended approval of amendments and administrative modifications as appropriate to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2022 MAG Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and 2040 MAG Regional Transportation Plan as included in the attached tables, and to include the listings in the FY 2020-2024 Errata Sheets for consideration and inclusion in the Draft FY 2020-2024 TIP and 2040 RTP Update, as appropriate. Some projects may be contingent on a new finding of conformity.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2022 MAG Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the 2040 MAG Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), were approved by the MAG Regional Council on June 28, 2017. The last modifications to the TIP, and RTP are pending approval at the January 29, 2020, MAG Regional Council meeting. Since then, additional changes and modifications have been requested by member agencies.

4D. Arterial Life Cycle Program, Freeway Life Cycle Program, and Arizona Department of Transportation Project Changes

The Transportation Policy Committee, by consent, recommended approval of amendments and administrative modifications, as appropriate, to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2022 MAG Transportation Improvement Program, 2020 Arterial Life Cycle Program, and 2040 MAG Regional Transportation Plan, and additionally, to include the listings in the FY 2020-2024 Errata Sheet for consideration and inclusion in the Draft FY 2020-2024 TIP and 2040 RTP Update as appropriate.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2022 MAG Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) were approved by the MAG Regional Council on June 28, 2017. The MAG TIP includes listings for the Arterial Life Cycle Program, Freeway Life Cycle Program, and Arizona Department of Transportation five-year program. Additional changes and modifications to the TIP are needed for these programs.

4E. Arterial Life Cycle Program Status Report: May 2019 – December 2019

The Arterial Life Cycle Program Status Report provides detail about the status of projects, revenues, and other relevant program information for the period between May 2019 and December 2019. This is the program’s 30th status report and the first published in Fiscal Year 2020.

4 This item was on the agenda for information and discussion.

4F. Public Input Report: Draft 2040 Regional Transportation Plan Update, Draft FY 2020-2024 MAG Transportation Improvement Program, and Draft 2020 MAG Conformity Analysis

The Transportation Policy Committee, by consent, recommended acceptance of the Public Input Report for the Draft 2040 MAG Regional Transportation Plan Update, Draft FY 2020- 2024 MAG Transportation Improvement Program, and Draft 2020 MAG Conformity Analysis.

MAG believes that public participation is key to the region’s transportation planning process. MAG relies on public input to help plan projects that provide benefits to the region and meet the wide-ranging needs of residents. MAG held a public comment period for review and comment of the draft documents for the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan Update, Draft FY 2020-2024 MAG Transportation Improvement Program, and Draft 2020 MAG Conformity Analysis. The public comment period extended from Thursday, December 19, 2019, through Sunday, January 19, 2020. During this comment period, MAG hosted a Public Open House on Thursday, January 9, 2020. Additional outreach included a public notice and information provided through a post card mailing and email to MAG’s public involvement lists, social media and the MAG website. Staff will share the comments/input received from the public during the 30-day comment period.

5. Draft FY 2020 – 2024 MAG Transportation Improvement Program

Ms. Teri Kennedy, MAG Transportation Improvement Program Manager, provided an overview of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is the near term implementation of the Regional Transportation Plan. The TIP is a federally required document and covers five years of surface transportation projects. The TIP Geographical Planning Area that covers all of Maricopa County as well as portions of Pinal County was approved in 2013. The TIP details the funding and work phases for the preservation, management and expansion of public transportation projects including highways, arterial streets, transit, demand management, and alternative modes of transportation. She added that included in the TIP is conformance to all applicable Federal and State Air Quality plans and standards, and all regionally significant transportation projects.

Ms. Kennedy gave the committee an overview of programs in the TIP and noted that the program can generally be divided into two overarching description areas that include highways and transit. The highway program includes the Freeway Lifecycle Program (FLCP), State System, Arterial Life Cycle Program (ALCP), and suballocated programs that are competitively programmed, which include Active Transportation, Air Quality Improvement,

5 Intelligent Transportation Systems/Systems Management and Operation, Pinal County Arterial and Bridge Program, Safe Routes to Schools, and the Road Safety Program. She stated the transit program includes the Transit Life Cycle Program (TLCP) bus and rail projects as well as other bus projects such as the Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities transit program. Ms. Kennedy emphasized that all programs consider safety and air quality.

Ms. Kennedy indicated there are currently 635 projects in the MAG TIP that consist of more than 2,112 work phases and segments. Current programmed costs are just over $6.7 billion in the TIP window for 2020-2024. MAG conducts programming annually for some programs such as safety and sweeper projects, and every other year for other programs such as Bike/Ped. She added MAG anticipates additional competitive program projects will be added to the TIP over the next several years.

Ms. Kennedy next provided an overview of how the region pays for projects. She stated that the largest share of revenue comes from federal aid, followed by regional and local funds. She gave the committee an overview of projected federal revenues for the TIP, which are projected to exceed $3.3 billion. In addition, regional funds are projected at $2.8 billion and local funds at $2.1 billion. Total federal, regional, and local revenues are projected at $8.2 billion, not including national competitive awards. Transit Bus, that includes categories such as rural and elder persons, is more than 24 percent of the total transit programmed dollars. Transit Rail is almost 76 percent of total transit funding.

Ms. Kennedy provided an overview of each of the life cycle programs. The Arterial Life Cycle Program administered by MAG is programmed at $748 million. The Transit Life Cycle Program administered by Valley Metro, is programmed at $1.87 billion. The Freeway Life Cycle Program, which is programmed by MAG and ADOT, is $2.41 billion. She noted the Program of Projects (POP) is a federally required listing of projects for the General Public Transit, Federal Transit Authority (FTA) Section 5307 funding. Ms. Kennedy indicated the POP is a subset of the TIP listings and that POP approval typically concludes annually at the June Regional Council meeting. The City of Phoenix Public Transit Division, as MAG’s Designated Recipient of FTA Large Urbanized Funding, builds and submits the grants for awards and projects.

Ms. Kennedy provided a summary of the sub-allocated programs and featured MAG’s top ranked projects for MAG Bike/Pedestrian, Pinal County Arterial, and Paving of Unpaved Road projects.

Ms. Kennedy mentioned there are two new programs for this TIP including the MAG approved comprehensive System Management and Operations (SMO) plan and the MAG Roadway Safety Program (RSP). The SMO identifies infrastructure needs in priority

6 corridors and recommends strategies needed to improve operations. The plan addresses four investment priority areas which include integrated corridor management, Regional Priority Arterials, Local Priority Corridors, and Regional Operations. The Road Safety Program (RSP) was developed by MAG to supplement the state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) program and assists with providing additional funding in the short term. MAG developed this program to address critical regional safety needs in the near term. MAG has exchanged federal aid dollars for ADOT Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF) to allow projects to move forward in a timely manner.

There were no questions or comments from membership.

Mayor Kate Gallego moved to recommend approval of the Draft FY 2020-2024 MAG Transportation Improvement Program and errata sheet changes, contingent upon a finding of conformity, and to recommend approval of the amendments to the MAG 2040 Regional Transportation Plan Update as appropriate. Mayor Georgia Lord seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Barney, Vice Mayor Binsbacher, and Mr. Huellmantel voted in favor of the motion via teleconference.

6. Approval of the Draft 2040 MAG Regional Transportation Plan Update

MAG Transportation Planning Program Manager Audra Koester Thomas presented the committee with the last formal update of the Proposition 400-era regional transportation plan (RTP). MAG has begun the process of a two-year effort to completely recraft and develop a new RTP to inform the extension of Proposition 400. Ms. Thomas commented per federal guidelines, the RTP and the TIP are required to be updated at least every four years. Today’s update of the RTP was largely an administrative one. Ms. Thomas indicated the update serves as guidance for the implementation of Proposition 400 and includes the latest updates to the three major modal programs that include the Transit Life Cycle Program (TLCP), Arterial Life Cycle Program (ALCP), and Freeway Life Cycle Program (FLCP), including the rebalancing of approximately $1.2 billion last spring.

Ms. Thomas stated the draft update was reviewed through a public process including stakeholder engagement and outreach, consistent with MAG’s recently updated Public Participation Plan. She noted the Regional Transportation Plan Update meets all federal air quality conformity requirements.

Chair Weiers recognized public comment from former Litchfield Park Mayor Woodfin “Woody” Thomas. Mr. Thomas recalled the discussion 20 years ago for an extension of the half-cent sales tax. He took credit for a few accomplishments since then including light rail. The light rail was originally supposed to go to Metro Center. Mr. Thomas said his idea was

7 for light rail not to go out from Van Buren Street and instead go to the arena and the baseball field. This indefinitely postponed the opportunity for it to go over to the Metro Center. He commented this is still needed and was a large part of the transportation plan in the past.

Mr. Thomas said he also would like to take credit for to study commuter rail. He stated he attended a MAG hearing last Thursday and was expecting to see maps of commuter rail but did not find any and added that MAG needs to move from just studying commuter rail to including it in the plan. Mr. Thomas indicated he is concerned about growth in the Valley, particularly the West Valley. He noted air pollution is an issue and as the region continues to grow there will be more traffic and congestion.

Mr. Thomas recalled that former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano said the state would get high speed rail between Tucson and Phoenix. He commented that would be a great opportunity for Maricopa County.

There were no questions or comments from membership.

Mayor Kenn Weise moved to recommend approval of the Draft 2040 MAG Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Update, contingent on a finding of conformity. Councilmember Suzanne Klapp seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Barney, Vice Mayor Binsbacher, and Mr. Huellmantel voted in favor of the motion via teleconference.

7. MAG Active Transportation Plan Update

MAG Transportation Planner Jason Stephens told the committee he would be presenting an update on the MAG Active Transportation Plan. Before presenting the update, he introduced MAG consultant Michael Hintze, Director of Planning for Toole Design to speak briefly about the plan. Toole Design is the preeminent bicycle and pedestrian and active transportation consultant in the country and Mr. Hintze helped MAG to craft this updated plan.

Mr. Hintze stated that MAG’s plan is unique in its focus on trip potential when compared to active transportation plans around the country. The plan focuses on where people are most likely to use active transportation, allowing the region to maximize its return on investment. He noted the plan’s three goals include increasing the number of trips taken by walking and biking; improving pedestrian and biking safety by reducing collisions; and, improving public health outcomes. The research is clear that when a region builds out safe and comfortable networks for people to walk and bike, the public will utilize these

8 resources. Mr. Hintze stated the first goal of increasing ridership includes the first two goals of improving safety. Research shows that safety improves the more people are out and about walking and biking. Research also shows that when you give people the opportunity and infrastructure to allow them to integrate active transportation into their daily routines, they will do so and this leads to improvements in public health.

Mr. Hintze stated this region has invested heavily in transit and the trail network and this updated plan builds on those investments. The plan also provides local agencies with the tools and strategies they need to build out their local networks and build onto the framework this plan puts forth.

Mr. Hintze indicated that cities and regions across the country similar to MAG are investing heavily and rapidly in active transportation. He gave examples from the Houston, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Austin, Texas regions. Cities and regions are focused on active transportation to reduce congestion, extend the reach of their public transportation systems, enhance equity and quality of life, and to stay economically competitive. Mr. Hintze commended MAG for putting forth this Active Transportation Plan update in line with regions across the country that are on the cutting edge of transportation planning.

Mr. Stephens indicated the MAG Active Transportation Plan takes the place of the current MAG bike and pedestrian plan completed more than a decade ago. He noted the plan focuses the region’s active transportation network around the idea of safely connecting people and making them healthier via high-quality active transportation facilities that spur economic growth. In 2017, MAG established a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and held a visioning workshop to establish the plan goals. These goals include increasing mode share to 30 percent by 2040; achieving zero pedestrian and bicycle fatalities by 2030; and increasing the percentage of people getting enough physical exercise to 80 percent by 2040. MAG also conducted a street design preference survey that included Spanish speaking residents. An interactive map allowed users to share their knowledge and provide project suggestions, comments and improvements. He noted that between the survey and map there were over 1,500 people who participated and provided comments.

Mr. Stephens explained as part of the data gathering effort and analysis, MAG developed an activity centers map with the help of member stakeholders. These locations served as the origins and destinations for a demand analysis map. Next, a Gravity Demand Analysis was conducted and demand was measured using employment data, schools, universities, parks, crash data, transit stops, Strava metro data, and demographic information. The results of the demand analysis were used to identify areas in the MAG region where there is a high potential for bicycling, walking, and first-and last-mile connections to transit. Mr. Stephens stated that in 2018, MAG held a workshop with members of the Safety

9 Committee, Street Committee, Transit Committee and Active Transportation Committee where maps noting potential active transportation SuperGrid corridors were displayed for members to provide comments, suggestions and corrections. As a result of the meetings, workshops, surveys, interactive map, and data gathered, a system was established with Tier 1 corridors and Tier 2 corridors as well as regional conduits. With this system or high demand framework, there is an opportunity to develop alternatives for high quality, high comfort, safe, active transportation facilities that can be traversed by nearly all ages and abilities. He commented these are not intended to be simply local connections, but a high quality backbone that local jurisdictions can work off of. The system compliments investments being considered in transit and regional trails.

Mr. Stephens noted that in addition to the regional effort of the MAG Active Transportation Plan, funding was identified and programmed to member cities for the bicycle and pedestrian master plans first time updates effort. Member agencies who requested funding were competitively evaluated and a total of 11 plans were funded over a three- year period. He announced that Apache Junction recently won the Arizona Planning Association award for best plan of the year for its active transportation plan, which was funded through the MAG program. Mr. Stephens indicated that an active transportation toolbox is available to help member agencies plan, scope, and design high quality active transportation projects identified in the plan as well as assist them with guidelines and strategies, and planning level unit cost estimates.

Mr. Stephens concluded by stating that the criteria established though the Active Transportation Plan planning process could be incorporated as evaluative criteria in future bicycle and pedestrian calls for projects. In addition, elements of the planning effort will help to inform development of the next regional transportation plan as well as future funding.

Mayor Gallego shared that this weekend, the City of Phoenix will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the "Grand Canalscape" project. The project is a 12-mile multi-use trail that stretches from Interstate 17 to Tempe. The project was aimed at developing a safe, convenient route for bicyclists and pedestrians along the Grand Canal.

Mayor Gallego stated Mr. Hintze mentioned some other cities that are investing in active transportation on a regional scale. She asked if that was being funded through a ballot initiative or through local planning efforts. Mr. Hintze said the City of Austin has a city sales tax, and added that the Atlanta Regional Commission also has a tax-based regional funding mechanism. He stated he believes the City of Houston program was funded through its transportation improvement program.

10 Mayor Gallego asked if the cities were successful when going to the ballots with their plans. Mr. Hintze answered the Atlanta Regional Commission was successful at the ballot the second time around for a funding package that included transit and active transportation.

Mr. Anderson added that this state and region have a serious issue with pedestrian fatalities and injuries. He shared that just yesterday, he witnessed a family, including a baby in a stroller, crossing the street about 50 feet away from a pedestrian signal. He asked how the region could best educate people to use the safe infrastructure in place and if other regions have education programs to raise user awareness. Mr. Hintze responded by saying the strategies many regions are taking are focused on designing safer streets by lowering speed limits and providing more convenient crossing opportunities for pedestrians. He cautioned against blaming pedestrians because often times they cross the street outside a crosswalk when the alternative is walking up to a half-mile out of their way to get to a crosswalk. Mr. Anderson said in the case yesterday, the family was just 50 feet away from a crosswalk. Mr. Hintze commented that education is a component, but advised leading the effort to prevent pedestrian deaths and injuries through street design.

Mayor Gallego moved to recommend acceptance of the MAG Active Transportation Plan. Mayor Georgia Lord seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Barney, Vice Mayor Binsbacher, and Mr. Huellmantel voted in favor of the motion via teleconference.

8. Update on the Development of a New Regional Transportation Plan

Ms. Thomas provided the TPC with the latest update on the development of the new regional transportation plan that will inform the development of the extension of Proposition 400. In November 2019, the MAG Management Committee took action to create a work group to focus on the technical aspects of the plan. The work group has met twice so far, most recently in late January. There are plans for the work group to meet monthly or more frequently as necessary. She stated that January’s meeting focused on the history of Proposition 400 as well as revisiting policy decisions about funding and program decisions. The meeting also revisited revenue projections that were anticipated over the funding horizon including the flat projections on federal funding and a review of ongoing transit operations commitments at the end of Proposition 400. Ms. Thomas added that in 2025, the last year of Proposition 400, approximately 25 percent of the funding will go toward transit operations and this number is anticipated to grow with additional transit needs. Also at the meeting, MAG’s management consultant provided a detailed review of the transportation plan development schedule including key deliverables, plan development tasks, federally required elements, and program development.

11 Ms. Thomas reviewed some of the key phases associated with the next 18 months of work. She indicated as part of the needs assessment, MAG will identify the highest performing projects and programs. This information will then be grouped into various scenarios to better answer questions of what the region can deliver with different funding packages. The results of scenario planning will inform what the strategic investment strategy will be. She advised that by summer of 2021, MAG anticipates a conceptual plan with an identification of key projects and programs.

Ms. Thomas mentioned staff’s current focus comprises three concurrent activities including the visioning process, needs assessment, and peer region analysis. MAG is in the final stages of getting the RTP Public Awareness and Engagement Strategy consultant under contract. Once that contract is signed, MAG will initiate the visioning activity, going out into the community and beginning conversations about future transportation investments. She indicated staff is currently working on a needs assessment and a member agency call for projects is ongoing. At the end of last year, Regional Council directed MAG to advance the planning process and initiate in January a call for projects. Member agency staff are in the process of submitting project and program ideas for consideration for the next regional transportation plan. MAG initiated the call for projects last month and will be accepting submissions through the end of March. Staff will use the information gathered to inform a systems-wide need analysis comprised of a catalog of potential projects and program needs. This information will feed into the scenario planning process to identify the projects and programs that deliver the outcomes policymakers would like for this region 25 or 30 years from now.

Ms. Thomas noted the peer region analysis continues. There are some important components to the analysis that will help policymakers with dialogue and tradeoff decisions. She added MAG has been conservative with nearly flat projections for future federal funding and noted ongoing uncertainty. Staff is currently performing a robust analysis of how other regions are projecting federal funding as well as to better understand how they fund regional multimodal transportation investments, particularly the funding sources and policies guiding investments. MAG also would like to know who is responsible for highway and roadway maintenance in other parts of the country and how it is funded.

Mayor Weise stated the cost of the recently completed Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway was roughly $1.6 billion for more than 22 miles, with a per mile cost of about $80 million. He said that the costs for the future State Route 30 (SR-30), just from the Loop 303 to Loop 202, which is roughly 13 miles, is projected to cost $2.8 billion or approximately $217 million per mile. Mayor Weise asked if cost estimates for SR-30 take into consideration maintenance and operations or if the costs are just for right of way and construction of the roadway. Ms. Thomas answered that projected costs for SR-30 only take into

12 consideration construction and right of way acquisition and do not include funding for maintenance and operations.

Mr. Anderson stated that real estate costs are all about location and the SR-30 would go through prime development land. He indicated that for South Mountain construction, Pecos Road was already owned by ADOT and so there was very little additional right of way acquisition costs for that freeway. The land for the freeway was purchased in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s and land prices then were a lot cheaper. In addition, a major part of the south section of the South Mountain Freeway went across the Salt River and that land was not as expensive as prime development land. Mr. Anderson reminded the committee that ADOT purchased an active subdivision development for the SR-30 for more than $40 million. He stated as part of the recent rebalancing process, MAG bumped up the right of way component for SR-30 to save on costs.

Mayor Weise stated he understands the right of way acquisition for SR-30 is more than it was for South Mountain Freeway. He asked if the costs of construction would be similar. Mr. Anderson stated that the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway to the SR-30 Interchange has to be built on structure because it is located in a flood plain, which will be expensive. Similarly, the Loop 303 at SR-30 is a complicated interchange and there is a skew where the corridor is located and that also will cost more money. He noted those costs were incorporated into the project cost estimates.

Mayor Weise indicated the region is looking at maintenance and operations costs for the SR-30 on a budget that is already two and a half times that of the Loop 202. He suggested there should be a conversation to determine if maintenance and operations for the project is something this region can afford. Mayor Weise stated he is interested to hear how other regions across the country address operations and maintenance funding.

There were no further questions or comments. This item was on the agenda for information and discussion.

9. Legislative Update

Mr. Anderson told the committee there were a number of bills moving through the legislature that would provide additional funding for transportation related projects in the state and this region. MAG expects at some point these bills will be a part of the budget negotiations at the legislature. He encouraged membership to impress upon legislators the importance of these projects. Mr. Anderson reminded membership that even if their favorite project is not on the legislature’s list, any additional money into the program would allow for the advancement of other projects in the program.

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Mr. Anderson mentioned this afternoon several officials would be providing testimony on MAG’s behalf to the House Transportation Committee regarding the transportation needs of this region including Mayor Mitchell as Regional Council Chair, Mayor Weiers as TPC Chair, and Supervisor Sellers in his role as a State Transportation Board member and as a Maricopa County Board Supervisor. All three will discuss the importance of the State stepping up and conducting appropriate maintenance on our region’s highways.

10. Request for Future Agenda Items

Topics or issues of interest that the Transportation Policy Committee would like to have considered for discussion at a future meeting were requested.

No requests were noted.

11. Comments from the Committee

An opportunity was provided for Transportation Policy Committee members to present a brief summary of current events. The Transportation Policy Committee is not allowed to propose, discuss, deliberate or take action at the meeting on any matter in the summary, unless the specific matter is properly noticed for legal action.

Chair Weiers reminded the committee they are invited to attend an Arizona Coyote game on February 22nd at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided and a guest also is welcome to attend.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:17 p.m.

Chair

Secretary

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