By Patrick O’Grady
Phoenix Business Journal
Arizona’s transportation needs seem to get bigger by the day, as anyone who traverses its highways can attest. Now, a new report finds it may take billions of dollars — perhaps hundreds of billions — to make sure we can all get from Point A to Point B in a somewhat efficient fashion.
The study, part of the Arizona Forward project developed by the Valley Forward Association, found a minimum level of funding over the next 25 years dedicated to the state’s transportation needs would be $26.2 billion.
That’s the low side. To cover full state needs, the price goes up to $88.9 billion. To do what the plan argues could be done to promote economic development, the sticker shock is set at $250 billion.
Diane Brossart, president and CEO of Valley Forward, said the group spent several months compiling the information and presenting some alternatives of where Arizona can go with its transportation planning.
