Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Rta topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RTA board figures show $195 million shortfall to complete 2006 plan; many unfinished projects are in Tucson
Summary
RTA staff reported a cost‑to‑complete exercise showing $880 million needed to finish the 2006 RTA plan while the five‑year TIP holds about $695 million, leaving a $195 million shortfall; several city projects including Grant Road segments and First Avenue remain underfunded.
The council received an update Feb. 19 on Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) planning and outreach for “RTA Next.”
Transportation Director Sam Credio summarized the RTA board’s cost‑to‑complete analysis, which found the region needs about $880 million to finish the RTA plan approved in 2006. The five‑year Transportation Improvement Program currently includes about $695 million in available funding, leaving an approximate shortfall of $195 million.
Credio said two city projects — Grant Road Segments 5 and 6 and First Avenue (River to Grant) — are not fully funded in the current five‑year TIP. He noted of the 21 remaining projects in the RTA plan, 4 have been moved to RTA Next and 12 of the remaining projects are City of Tucson projects.
RTA Next outreach has included 14 in‑person open houses and one virtual event; a public survey closed Jan. 31. The RTA board agreed to a draft plan and public engagement materials, which will be further discussed at upcoming meetings (RTA board meeting: March 3). Mayor Regina Romero said she will request an onboarding/update process for new PAG/RTA board members to ensure they receive full briefings given recent turnover on the regional boards.
Ending: Staff said they will continue to monitor RTA board materials, report back on specific project funding gaps, and request a briefing for new board members and the council so Tucson’s outstanding commitments and unfinished projects are clear.
