Subject: Your Chance to Comment on the Future of Transportation


In case you missed the notice we recently mailed out about your chance to
comment on the MAG Transportation Policy Committee's plan, below is a copy
of the text of an article in this morning's Arizona Republic.

We hope you can make it to one of these valuable meetings.

* * *
Public can comment on transit, freeways

Pat Flannery
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 18, 2003 12:00 AM


After months of local cities and lobbyists having their say, it's residents'
turn to weigh in on a $16 billion freeway and transit plan that will be the
Valley's transportation blueprint for the next 20 years.

Public hearings begin Tuesday on a draft regional transportation plan
unveiled last month by the Maricopa Association of Governments. From now
through early September, citizens will be able to view and comment on the
plan at any one of six hearings scheduled throughout the Valley.

Eventually, they will also have the final say when the extension of a sales
tax to help pay for the plan is put to a vote. Officials are aiming for a
May vote, and some parts of the plan could be controversial.

The plan features everything from a double-deck freeway through Phoenix to
new light rail spurs in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe and Mesa. A final version
will be adopted by MAG's Regional Council in late September after public
input.

Even if adopted, the plan can't go into effect unless voters extend the
half-cent transportation sales tax initially approved in 1985. The tax
expires in 2005.

The public hearings will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on:

• Tuesday, Burton Barr Central Library, Pulliam Auditorium, 1221 N. Central
Ave., Phoenix.

• Wednesday, Avondale Public Safety Building, second floor, 1825 N. 107th
Ave., Avondale.

• Thursday, Midwestern University, Agave Hall, 19555 N. 59th Ave., Glendale.

• Sept. 2, Ashton Ranch Elementary School, multipurpose room, 14898 W. Acoma
Drive, Surprise.

• Sept. 3, Mesa Rendezvous Center, Superstition North Ballroom, 263 N.
Center, Mesa.

• Sept. 10, Community Design Studio, Nave Room, 7506 E. Indian School Road,
Scottsdale.

Information: (602) 254-6300.