Comment on the proposed amendments to the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan.

The Pima Association of Governments (PAG) is accepting comments on amendments to its 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) now through Friday, March 16th.

One proposed amendment calls for the widening of SR 83 “for 22 miles south of the Interstate 10 junction in phases over approximately 30 years from two lanes to four lanes…”

The Coalition questions the justifications for this project, especially the contention that projected population increases in the area around SR83 would warrant expansion of the highway from two to four lanes:

• The only significant private development that would substantially increase traffic on SR83 is the proposed Rosemont Copper Mine. Committing $76 million in public monies to widen a scenic highway based on faulty and unsure premises is poor planning and an unacceptable use of tax dollars.
• The expansion of SR83 would greatly diminish the current scenic nature-based values of the roadway and negatively impact the many natural resources that draw tourists, birders, and other recreationists to this area, along with the critical dollars they contribute to the local economy and the jobs they support.
• Widening SR83 would impact the Rincon-Santa Rita-Whetstone Wildlife Linkage, further restricting wildlife movement and increasing animal susceptibility to collision with vehicles, isolation, and even extinction.

Read the Coalition’s letter to PAG Regional Council about this issue.

The PAG Regional Council will consider the update/amendment for adoption at its regularly scheduled meeting at noon on Thursday, March 29, 177 N. Church Ave., 5th Floor Main Conference Room, Tucson.

Download the overview – 2040 RTP Update/Amendment Overview.

 

In the News

Plans to widen Sonoita highway raise eyebrows

Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Sunday, January 15, 2012