Transportation Group Recommends Bike, Pedestrian Projects Worth $2.3 Million

PHOENIX, January 22, 1999 — Murals on freeway underpasses and bike, pedestrian and equestrian trails are among the projects that are being recommended for funding by the Arizona Department of Transportation Enhancement Review Committee (TERC).

Five Valley projects are among 26 statewide recommended by the TERC for funding during a three-day meeting near Oracle this week. The five projects, submitted to the TERC by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), would receive $2.3 million in federal funds appropriated by the State Transportation Board. The Board will vote on whether to accept them at a meeting in February.

"The five projects will contribute substantially to the quality of life for all residents in the Valley," said Phoenix City Councilman Phil Gordon, who represents MAG on the TERC.
"These projects competed against 93 others from around the state and demonstrate the committee's spirit of cooperation and support for enhancing our transportation statewide."

The five projects to be considered are the latest additions to over 27 funded Valley enhancement projects recommended by the Maricopa Association of Governments since 1992.

The five projects include:

• Chandler Paseo. 1.5 mile linear park designed to provide alternative transportation, passive recreation, and open space featuring a 12' multi-use path and equestrian trail. Part of a 6.5 mile system. $500,000. This was the top-ranked project in the state.
• West Valley Multi-modal Corridor. This project would result in a plan for bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian paths along the Agua Fria River from New River to its junction with the Gila River. The paths will link schools, parks, community centers and residential areas throughout the West Valley to the Agua Fria Greenway. $450,000.
• Phoenix Maricopa Freeway Enhancement. 16 neighborhood gateways under I-17 freeway. Will improve safety and include elementary school student participation. $400,000.
• Mesa Downtown Pedestrian Connection Phase I. 4,700 linear feet of 10' wide (avg.) pathways in downtown Mesa. Includes street furniture, shade, public art. $481,503.
• Mesa Multi-Use Path. 2.55 mile, 10' wide path along Consolidated Canal (phase II), includes security, rest areas, lighting and minor landscaping. $500,000.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a regional organization that develops policies and makes decisions in areas such as transportation, air quality, water quality, solid waste and human services. MAG is made up of Valley communities working together to ensure a better quality of life for nearly three million residents in the Maricopa region. The region encompasses metropolitan Phoenix and includes the many cities, towns and Indian communities within Maricopa County. Governed by a Regional Council that includes 24 city mayors and other lead elected officials, MAG is the forum for ensuring an effective allocation of regional resources.

For more information about the TERC projects, or to arrange interviews, contact Kelly Taft at 452-5020.