A group of business and political leaders are in the early stages of crafting a plan to address the state’s transportation infrastructure needs, the Yellow Sheet reports. Headed up by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and backed by a broad coalition of construction, contractors and business interests, as well as local politicians. iArizona’s ultimate goal is to boost Arizona’s economy and status as a transportation hub connecting Los Angeles, Dallas and Mexico, as well as connecting Arizona’s economic hubs to one another, creating jobs and boosting the state’s economic prospects.
The Yellow Sheet says iArizona reps insist there is no link between the 2008 TIME initiative debacle. Associated General Contractors President David Martin said any comparison to TIME is unfounded, and described this push for transportation project funding as a new operation, built from scratch, to address Arizona’s impending transportation problems and create jobs.
Smith, said iArizona is unlike any past initiative. For starters, he said it’s going to be a disciplined effort, laser-focused on creating jobs and connecting Arizona communities, not a Christmas-tree project designed to garner support with giveaways.
Martin and Smith said it is too early to say how the plan would raise money to fund the transportation projects, though Smith said there were “five or six” options that have been discussed by organizers.
