Arizona’s executive budget includes $16.6 million for state highways.
“This reasonable and responsible budget proposal benefits Arizona families by helping ADOT maintain a transportation system that safely connects people and empowers the economy,” Arizona Department of Transportation Director Jennifer Toth said.
A total of $11.4 million would be taken from the State Highway Fund to meet baseline needs for 487.5 new lane miles statewide while an ongoing investment of $5.2 million from the State Highway Fund would address increased construction materials prices and extend the life of highway infrastructure.
The executive budget also includes a one-time deposit of $10 million from the General Fund to the State Match Advantage for Rural Transportation (SMART).
SMART helps ensure municipalities and counties in Greater Arizona are competitive when seeking federal transportation grants. The program helps cover the cost of developing and submitting grant proposals and the design and engineering services expenses associated with grant proposals, and reimburses matching funds required for grants.
Since it was created in fiscal year 2023, the program has awarded $55.2 million in state funds, allowing rural communities to leverage $174.6 million in competitive transportation grants. Projects include $4.4 million for a new connector road to support a new commercial port of entry coming to Douglas.