Pinal Today

Governor Hobbs' Executive Budget proposal aims to enhance Arizona's transportation infrastructure by supporting the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The budget seeks to maintain state highways and assist rural communities in securing federal transportation grants, while also preparing for future transportation needs.

ADOT Director Jennifer Toth emphasized the importance of quality transportation, stating, "High-quality transportation improves the quality of life across our state not just by accommodating growth, but also by making Arizona a more desirable place to live, to start a business, to raise a family, to visit and so much more." She added that Governor Hobbs' budget is designed to protect resources and infrastructure while updating technology for improved safety and efficiency.

The proposal includes an additional $15.8 million in ongoing funding aimed at countering rising materials costs affecting highway maintenance. This funding consists of $11.4 million allocated for highway maintenance activities and $4.4 million for surface treatments that prolong pavement life. According to the National Highway Construction Cost Index, material costs have risen 63.7% from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2023.

Furthermore, the budget proposes $797,000 for maintaining 38 newly constructed lane miles on state highways.

A significant component of the budget is a one-time deposit of $13 million from the General Fund into the State Match Advantage for Rural Transportation (SMART) Fund managed by ADOT. This initiative helps rural municipalities and counties compete for federal grants by covering development costs and reimbursing matching funds required for grants.

Since its inception in fiscal year 2023, the SMART Fund has facilitated over $48.8 million in awards through the State Transportation Board. These awards have enabled rural areas to secure an additional $138.6 million in competitive federal grants.

Additional investments outlined in Governor Hobbs’ Executive Budget include:

- An extra $200,000 towards ADOT’s study on potential passenger rail service between Phoenix and Tucson.

- A provision of $850,000 from the State Aviation Fund as matching funds needed for renovations at Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

- A sum of $6.9 million designated for replacing aging facilities used by ADOT’s Little Antelope and Gray Mountain operations.

- A one-time investment of $7 million from the State Highway Fund intended to modernize an Avondale vehicle repair shop serving multiple agencies.