TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall hear and discuss a presentation of the SR-347 Corridor Scoping Study process and objectives by Chaun Hill of Maricopa Association Of Governments, overall Project Manager for the study effort. Discussion Only.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The SR-347 Corridor Scoping Study is a long-awaited project to begin the assessment of improvements to this critically-important roadway. It is a multi-agency study effort, with representatives from MAG, ADOT, Pinal County, PRTA, Maricopa County, Gila River Indian Community, Ak-Chin Indian Community and the City of Maricopa. As the sole direct regional connection to the Phoenix metropolitan area, to which almost 80 percent of Maricopa’s working population travels to work every day, this roadway today is already experiencing traffic distress, safety issues and driver frustration. Projections made in the 2015 Area Transportation Plan reflect that by 2028, all segments of the SR-347, including Maricopa internal segments and rural segments north of the city would experience failing Levels Of Service if no improvements are made.
The City Of Maricopa, over several years, has made a strong sustained case to MAG, ADOT and Pinal County on the need to improve the roadway. Because the roadway traverses Gila River Indian Community (GRIC), their approval is needed for such a study or improvements. MAG effectively garnered the support of GRIC (a MAG member agency), who approved the study and it began in February 2019. The study is funded by three partners, MAG, Pinal County (on behalf of PRTA) and The City Of Maricopa, with each partner contributing $150,000. Improvements to SR347 totaling $28.8 million from Maricopa’s northern city limit to the Pinal County line are included in the Pinal County Regional Transportation 20-year Plan, which is still under court challenge today. Improvements to SR-347 north of the county line fall within MAG funding jurisdiction.
The study is on pace to present final...
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