Budget Review Commission backs Rio Verde wildlife‑crossing feasibility study, moves $35 million CIP item to future pending legal review

The Scottsdale Budget Review Commission on April 11 voted to forward two recommendations to City Council on the proposed Rio Verde wildlife crossing: adopt a $250,000 feasibility study funded from preserve funds and move the project’s $35,000,000 construction allocation out of the five‑year capital improvement plan until the feasibility study is complete and staff and council decide next steps.

The commission’s recommendation was accompanied by a legal caveat: the feasibility study spending will proceed only if the city attorney determines the proposed use is an allowable expenditure from the preserve fund. City Attorney Sherry Scott told the commission she had “no concern with the motion as worded” and that legal advice would be provided to the council as it considers the commission’s recommendation.

Why it matters: The Rio Verde crossing has been the subject of differing views on scope and necessity. Commissioners said they want factual analysis — cost estimates, design options and siting study — before committing major construction funds. Commissioner Newman moved the feasibility‑study allocation, and Commissioner Carla seconded; the commission approved the two recommendations and added the legal caveat before forwarding them to council.

Commission discussion and public comment: Commissioners described widely differing views on what the Rio Verde project might include and emphasized the need for firm…