Subject: Update on MAG Transportation Policy Committe Hearing Last Night
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2003 3:18 PM

In case you missed this morning's Arizona Republic, below is the text of the article discussing yesterday's first public comment section on the MAG Transportation Plan.  

There will be more meetings over the next few weeks, so if you weren't able to make the first one, you will still have a chance to give your input.

And speaking of input - a few of you mentioned that due to the gas shortage, many of you were not able to attend last night's meeting and want to have other ways to comment.  You can also send your comments via e-mail to jstephens@mag.maricopa.gov .  Be sure to put "MAG Transportation Public Comment" in the title line.

Speaking of the gas shortage, a number of our readers who are transit supporters, but not necessarily transit users have asked for a quick way to learn more about using the public transit system.  You can visit www.friendsoftransit.org and click on the link to Valley Metro.

(Today's article below)

Freeway plan cost may be revised

Pat Flannery
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 20, 2003 12:00 AM

A $789 million shortfall in the Valley's new freeway and transit plan could be erased by the middle of next month as cost estimates and revenue projections are revised.

"We think we have a very good chance to close that gap completely between now and September 17," Eric Anderson, transportation manager of the Maricopa Association of Governments, said at a public hearing Tuesday. He said some costs were initially overestimated and revenue estimates are being refined.

A key panel is supposed to make final recommendations next month on what to include in the $16 billion plan, which is the blueprint for future Valley freeways, major streets, bus systems and light rail. 

More than 100 people turned out Tuesday at the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix to comment on a draft proposal. 

Voters are expected to decide in May whether to extend a half-cent transportation sales tax in Maricopa County for 20 more years to help pay for the plan. The current tax, approved in 1985, expires in 2005. The new tax would raise $8.5 billion, with the rest of the cost paid by state and federal funds. 

Several at the hearings urged MAG to reduce freeway spending and increase it for transit. 

"We need to be moving away from freeways and more toward (public) transit," said Sue Widemark, a central Phoenix resident. Her comments drew wide applause. 

Ben Kugler, a northwest Phoenix resident, urged MAG to expand light rail deeper into the West Valley "where the bulk of the growth is going."

Advocates from Phoenix neighborhoods criticized plans to increase freeway capacity through the city.

Steve Dreiseszun of the F.Q. Story neighborhood in central Phoenix predicted heavier traffic will aggravate a bottleneck at Interstate 10's Deck Park Tunnel and worsen noise and air pollution.