During a recent government meeting, officials addressed pressing issues related to litter management and road safety in the region. The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges of litter accumulation, particularly on ramps, where funding has been insufficient to maintain cleanliness. The state currently operates on a 4 to 6 week cycle for litter removal, supplemented by the \"Operation Clean Sweep\" initiative during major holidays. However, officials noted that litter production often exceeds their capacity to manage it effectively. To combat this, a rebranding of the \"Adopt a Highway\" program is set to launch, allowing for electronic sign-ups to encourage community involvement in litter cleanup efforts.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding traffic safety on Liberty Road, identified as a high-speed area contributing to fatalities. Suggestions included implementing traffic calming measures and enhancing pedestrian crosswalks to reduce speeds and improve safety for residents.
The meeting also touched on funding formulas for local projects, with officials confirming that a new formula has been established for the current fiscal year, resulting in a 400% increase in funding compared to previous years. However, there were calls for further discussions on the adequacy of this funding in relation to the county's needs, especially given the historical underfunding of highway user revenue, which has potentially cost the county upwards of $400 million over the past two decades.
The officials emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue regarding funding allocations and project priorities, particularly the Dolfield interchange, which remains a critical infrastructure project awaiting necessary financial support.