Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs proposed an extra $15.8 million as part of the executive budget to go to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to address the impact of rising material cost on highway construction.
The funding consists of $11.4 million for highway maintenance activities and $4.4 million for surface treatments that extend the life of pavement as the material cost increased by 63.7% from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2023, according to the National Highway Construction Cost Index.
“High-quality transportation improves the quality of life across our state not just by accommodating growth, but also by making Arizona a more desirable place to live, to start a business, to raise a family, to visit and so much more,” said Jennifer Toth, ADOT director, in a statement. “Governor Hobbs’ budget protects our resources and infrastructure, while updating crucial technology to improve safety and efficiency.”
The proposal includes another $797,000 to help ADOT maintain 38 newly constructed lane miles across the state’s highway system. It also includes a one-time deposit of $13 million from the general fund to the State Match Advantage for Rural Transportation (SMART) fund administered by ADOT.
This program helps municipalities and counties in Arizona compete for federal transportation grants.
Source: AASHTO, Hoodline
