TITLE
A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Maricopa, Arizona, adopting an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Department of Transportation and the City of Maricopa concerning the ownership, jurisdiction, and perpetual maintenance of State Route 347, authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement and authorizing city employees to perform all necessary acts related to the purpose of the agreement. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
Since before the City of Maricopa incorporated in 2003, State Route 347 has served as an important roadway to connect those in the area to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Over the last 20 years, the importance of this connection has increased, as thousands of Maricopa residents rely on this roadway each day to travel to the many employment, entertainment, and economic activities that the Valley offers.
But perhaps more importantly, State Route 347 welcomes the world to Maricopa. Commerce, industry, tourism, and new residents have all come into our community because of this route. With this, Maricopa's population has soared. At various times of its history, including over the past year, it has been one of the fastest growing cities in the Country. With this growth comes the increased complexities of managing access to the businesses and neighborhoods that rely upon State Route 347 for their livelihood and success. To this point, the City of Maricopa has not been able to manage these access points, the look and feel of the roadway, the amount and location of sidewalks, traffic signal timing, nor any similar aspects of the roadway that would enhance the area and improve the quality of life for our residents. Today, these are all managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
IGA 22-0008745-I, between the ADOT and the City of Maricopa, would transfer the ownership, jurisdiction, and perpetual maintenance of State Route 347 to the City of Maricopa. Following the approval by the City Council, the IGA would go before the State Transportation Board at its meeting on September 16th. That meeting will be held in the Maricopa Council Chambers. If approved by the State Transportation Board, the City would then take ownership of the roadway, in the timeline discussed in the IGA.
The IGA would allow the City to set its own course for growth, access, landscaping, maintenance, and signal timing. While the City acknowledges that the impact may not be seen immediately, it will dramatically improve the area in the long-run. Development projects will move forward faster and more efficiently, as stalled projects will no longer be required to go through the lengthy permitting process that ADOT requires, but instead, these projects will work with City planning and engineering staff to ensure they meet locally-established development and engineering standards. Ownership of the roadway would also allow Maricopa to plan for its future, allowing future connections that can help relieve the heavy congestion on the route. The City will continue to actively participate in discussions for the widening of State Route 347 to I-10.
The City will manage the increased maintenance and other costs associated with the ownership of the roadway under its existing operating budget authority.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council approve the Resolution.