The Arizona State Transportation Board on June 20 voted unanimously to approve its fiscal 2026–2030 transportation facility construction program, adopting the staff’s alternative 3.

The board approved the program after more than two hours of public comment and a lengthy staff briefing on regional allocations and project trade-offs. ADOT multimodal planning division director Matt Moll told the board that “for the program years 2026 to 2030, there is a grand total of 7,680,000,000.00 split among the 3 regions” under the department’s allocation formula.

Why it matters: the adopted alternative shifts some construction timing but keeps two high-profile corridor projects in the five-year window — the State Route 347 widening in the Maricopa area and the SR 260 Lion Springs safety and widening segment that local officials called a life‑safety priority.

ADOT presented three alternatives that balanced corridor projects, preservation work and district-level requests. Under alternative 3, the department said it would add the SR 347 widening and maintain Lion Springs in the nearer years while deferring three pavement-preservation projects to fiscal year 2030. Director Toth and staff emphasized the trade-offs: deferring preservation increases future costs and creates some implementation risk, but kept two corridor projects that local officials and residents pressed the board to prioritize.

The meeting drew heavy public turnout. Local elected officials, business owners and residents from Maricopa and Gila counties urged the board to prioritize safety and capacity on the two corridors. Mayor Steve Otto of Payson told the board the SR 260 turn at Payson is a bottleneck and that “the need for the second turn lane at 87‑260 isn’t a want, it’s an absolute need.” Pinal County Supervisor Rich Vitiello urged the board to “put the 347 at the top of your list,” and numerous Maricopa residents, students and business owners described daily delays and safety concerns on SR 347.

ADOT staff described the program mathematics and the specific trade-offs. Matt Moll said the proposed five‑year program totals roughly $7.68 billion and noted the split among regions (50% Greater Arizona, 37% Maricopa County, 13% Pima County). Staff said moving some preservation projects into 2030 would allow immediate progress on corridor projects while keeping the deferred pavement projects “shelf ready” so they can be advanced if funding becomes available.

Board discussion focused on preserving system condition while addressing urgent safety needs. Board member Howard moved to adopt the FY 2026–2030 program including alternative 3; board member Alters seconded. The board voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Key outcomes and next steps: the board adopted alternative 3 and directed ADOT to proceed with program delivery under that scenario. Staff said the department will continue to monitor asset condition and reallocate preservation funds as needed, and that if funding becomes available it will move deferred projects forward earlier than 2030.

The board and staff also urged continued advocacy for long-term revenue modernization; several board members and members of the public said the state’s existing revenue structure constrains the department’s ability to meet all needs.

Ending: ADOT staff and board members thanked the many citizens who traveled to Payson and those who participated online. The department said it will post updated program materials and continue stakeholder outreach as the selected program proceeds into the project delivery process.