Arizona DOT Says Ready-To-Go Projects Could Fuel 35,000 Jobs
The Arizona Dept. of Transportation has identified over $1.2 billion in projects that would be ready to go in under 180 days if they were funded by a proposed federal economic recovery package. Projects include the 7-mile, $146-million Loop 303 from Lake Pleasant Road to Interstate 17, the $50-million widening of I-10 from I-8 to State Route 87, and the $50-million Cordes Junction Traffic Interchange on I-17, which would include a construction-manager-at-risk contract.
“We have critical needs in our state and can quickly move forward with more than 100 projects around Arizona, as soon as Congress acts,” says Victor Mendez, ADOT director. “Arizona, like most states, is facing a pressing budget deficit for maintaining critical infrastructure. An economic recovery package would help us address several of the most timely problems and meet the needs of travelers, commerce and communities.” He adds that the projects would translate into 35,000 new jobs in Arizona.
The total includes $356 million in airport work throughout the state. That includes a $146-million north segment of the automated people mover at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. The train will eventually connect the airport’s three main terminals to the rental car center and the city’s new light rail system, which opens this month.
