The Graham County, Safford, Thatcher, Pima Small Area Transportation Study was initiated by Graham County, in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Transportation, to develop a countywide, long-range multimodal transportation plan for this growing rural Arizona community. The project sponsors selected the PB Americas team to conduct this study under the direction of a Technical Advisory Committee, which included representatives from Graham County, City of Safford, Town of Thatcher, Town of Pima, Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization, and ADOT.

In 1992, Graham County conducted a transportation study for the Gila Valley Region. This study prepared a long-range transportation plan and a transportation improvement program. Many of the improvements have been completed. The purpose of this study is to update the 1992 transportation plan and to address the current issues within the area.

The Yuma Regional Transit Study identifies transit needs within southwestern Yuma County and presents recommended transit system improvements based on three funding scenarios. This study examined current and projected population, demographics, and employment for the region, conducted extensive public outreach and data collection, identified transit deficiencies and developed recommended transit improvements based on the identified deficiencies.

The purpose of the U.S. Highway 93 Corridor Area Plan is to recognize the unique character of the highway corridor and to encourage land use patterns that are consistent with the goals of the Mohave County General Plan, the residents and the property owners. The U.S. Highway 93 Corridor Area Plan, a component of the General Plan, covers approximately 430 square miles of unincorporated land in Mohave County.

The purpose of the Long Mountain Area Plan is to recognize the unique character of the Long Mountain Area and to encourage land use patterns that are consistent with the goals of the Mohave County General Plan. The Long Mountain Area Plan, a component of the General Plan, covers approximately 61 square miles of unincorporated land in Mohave County.

In 1995, Mohave County adopted the “Mohave County General Plan” which included a countywide land use design. Included were several surrounding small communities. These communities subsequently created their own more specific area plans which were then included in the Mohave County General Plan. However, Dolan Springs was identified as an “outlying community” which would not be included. Dolan Springs then created their own area plan.

It was decided to revise the 1980 Havasu area study, since the area had changed so much. The members felt that to retain some control over the growth a revised area plan was needed and decided to have the area covered to be just the 72 square miles of the Desert Hills Fire District, rather than the whole of the unincorporated Lake Havasu Area north of the City.

The Mohave County General Plan document is intended to bring about coordinated physical development in accordance with the present and future needs of the County. It addresses land use, transportation, and resource conservation issues. It is used as an aid and guideline for the Development Services Department and Board of Supervisors when making land use decisions and considering amendments to the County Zoning Ordinance and zoning district map.

Identifies transportation infrastructure investments that may help leverage the economic potential of the study area and foster future land development. Describes the study area’s existing and future transportation conditions and presents transportation framework recommendations based on planning by Aztec Land & Cattle Company, the Town of Snowflake and Taylor, and Navajo County. It presents findings from case studies on inland ports and rural industrial developments and discusses possible funding sources and strategies for infrastructure investment.

The purpose of the plan is to make sure public funds are spent wisely, natural resources are conserved, and the health, safety and welfare of the residents are enhanced. It is a living document that can be amended anytime through proper procedures. It must be reviewed and updated at least every ten years. It is simply a guide to future growth and land use.