A key outcome of the Arizona Multimodal Freight Analysis Study is “a strategy for establishing freight analysis as an integral part of Arizona’s long-range planning process.” This study was directed to include the following as part of the strategy development:

• Broad themes to guide future freight planning.
• A description of how multimodal transportation networks impact the freight industry.
• Potential impacts of freight strategies on economic development in Arizona.
• A strategy for freight data collection, analysis, and planning.
• Measurable indicators describing the impact of freight traffic on the performance of Arizona’s multimodal freight transportation network.

This study focuses in the area surrounding the municipalities of: Town of Pima, City of Thatcher and City of Safford. The junction of the two major state routes, US 191 and US 70 is located in the heart of these communities and serves as major arterials for local travelers. Parsons Brinckerhoff has been commissioned by ADOT to perform this preliminary assessment for the development of an alternate route through the Thatcher/Safford/Pima area.

This study identifies a plan of improvements for vehicular, transit, and nonmotorized transportation and outlines the specific actions necessary to implement and sustain the plan. The recommendations for these elements are based on technical analyses of existing and future conditions as well as stakeholder and public input. The Study identifies projects that establish and improve multimodal options for Nation members. The development of these suggested projects includes consideration of evaluation criteria addressing such issues as safety and connection of multimodal transportation modes throughout the Nation and to the greater region. The Study projects will be included in the Nation’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, which provides the vision for meeting the community’s transportation needs over a 20-year planning horizon.

This study, and the resulting transportation plan, is funded through ADOT’s Planning Assistance for Rural Areas (PARA) program. ADOT and the Town of Colorado City have retained the consultant team of Wilbur Smith Associates to conduct the study under the oversight and direction of a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that includes members from the Town of Colorado City; adjacent Hildale City, Utah; Mohave County; the Arizona Department of Transportation Multimodal Planning Division; the ADOT Flagstaff District Engineer’s office; and other interested parties.

This transportation plan includes an assessment of the City’s streets, bridges, sidewalks, public stairs, shared-use pathways, transit, public parking, airport, and transportation-related drainage facilities. The transportation plan also includes an implementation plan that sets forth a comprehensive capital improvement program to bring the transportation infrastructure up to current standards and to provide an acceptable level of service for current and forecast travel demands.

The Study identifies a plan of improvements for transit and non-motorized transportation and outlines the specific actions necessary to implement and sustain the plan. The Study identifies projects that establish and improve the pedestrian and transit options for Community members. The development of these suggested projects includes consideration of evaluation criteria addressing such issues as safety and connection of multi-modal transportation modes throughout the Community and to the greater region.

The Arizona Department of Transportation awarded funding for the Wellton Transportation Long-Range Plan PARA Study through the Planning Assistance for Rural Areas program. The purpose of the PARA program is to assist rural counties, cities, towns, and tribal communities in addressing a broad range of multimodal transportation planning issues related to roadways, transit, and non-motorized modes of travel. The principal purpose of the Wellton PARA Study is to develop a multimodal transportation plan for a 44-square-mile planning area in the vicinity of the Town of Wellton. The study has resulted in a plan of improvements for short-term, mid-term, and long-term transportation planning horizons. The recommendations are multimodal, considering roadways, transit, and nonmotorized (i.e., bicycle and pedestrian) transportation modes. The executive summary provides a brief summary of current and future conditions, transportation needs and issues, recommended improvements, and the implementation plan.

The Concho Community Plan is an expression of how the residents of our community wish to see our community grow, develop and prosper. The entire region is experiencing rapid growth. Rather than allow this growth to be haphazard or of low quality, the Concho Community Plan sets forth guidelines to assist in planning for orderly growth that meets its needs and standards. The Concho Community Plan addresses the current and future elements that the community indicated were the most pressing. It also utilizes the various established deed restrictions and proposes to base the zoning districts on them, thereby eliminating many conflicts and enhancing enforcement.

Southern Apache County is located along the northeastern border of Arizona, at the heart of the exciting and rapidly growing southwest. Ranging from high desert to mountainous terrain, Southern Apache County boasts a diverse geography, and along with it an abundance of recreational opportunities. The region is a designated Enterprise Zone, which can mean substantial tax savings for businesses wishing to expand in the area. Economic Development for Apache County serves as the statutory agent for the Industrial Authority of Apache County to promote industry and provide technical assistance.