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 principal purpose of the Gila County Transportation Study is to identify the most critical transportation infrastructure needs within Gila County and recommend a program of improvement projects to address these needs. Transportation needs were grouped into the following elements: roadway, safety, pavement management, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation finance.

The purpose of this study is to build an econometric and demographic model of the Sun Corridor to forecast long-term economic and demographic conditions in the “megapolitan” region. To this end, the study examines the long-term economic and demographic forces that could affect economic development in the 3-county Sun Corridor megapolitan area that includes Maricopa, Pinal and Pima Counties. This information is used to develop a set of realistic economic/demographic scenarios to drive the forecasting model.

Pima County is now finalizing the long-awaited Multi-species Conservation Plan, which, if approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will streamline public-sector and private-sector development compliance with the Endangered Species Act while protecting endangered species and their habitats. In the coming months, the public will have a chance to comment on the MSCP through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s formal public comment process before it goes to the County Board of Supervisors for final adoption.This report reviews the history of the MSCP, its relationship with the award-winning Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, what benefits the MSCP will bring to the community, and what obligations the County, developers, and the taxpayers will have over time. The report also highlights other benefits of conservation actions undertaken by Pima County, including economic, recreation, and health benefits.

The purpose of this report is to highlight lands acquired with 1997 and 2004 voter-approved bond funds, provide a historical record of Pima County’s land conservation efforts and consider how these properties contribute to Pima County’s long-term vision – the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. The report also provides a special feature on the evolution of conservation and land use planning in Pima County.

While we may view climate change issues as a more global or national problem, our unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem is a recognized global resource; hence climate change is an important consideration in how we manage and protect our fragile desert ecosystem. This discussion is designed to promote local awareness of how climate change may impact our resources.