Senate committee advances Route 66, Payson and Gold Canyon road projects; debate centers on funding source and costs

The committee advanced a slate of local transportation appropriations after hearing sponsors, local officials and residents describe crash history and congestion on targeted corridors.

Flagstaff: SB10 64 would appropriate $3,000,000 to ADOT for improvements along West Route 66 and requires ADOT to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the city by Sept. 15, 2026 if the funds are to be distributed. Mayor Becky Daggett told the committee West Route 66 is one of Flagstaff's fastest‑growing corridors with major new housing and safety concerns; she cited 345 crashes in the last five years and said the city and voters have committed local dollars (she said $10,800,000 via Proposition 419) plus private developer contributions. The committee adopted a technical amendment and advanced the bill by a 7–3 vote.

Payson: SB10 59 would appropriate $9,200,000 to add a right‑turn lane at the SR‑87/260 intersection. The sponsor and Payson officials described long summer backups and public‑safety risk; ADOT estimates and land acquisition (including work around existing commercial parcels) contributed to the cost estimate. The committee advanced the bill (due pass, recorded vote 7–3).

Gold Canyon: SB10 62 would appropriate $1,000,000 for an additional left‑turn lane at US‑60 and Superstition Mountain Drive; local HOA and residents testified about recurring backups and crashes connected to festival and commuter traffic. ADOT has preliminary designs and the committee advanced the bill (due pass, recorded vote 6–4).

Members raised policy questions about relying on the general fund for road projects traditionally funded from highway or transportation revenue (HEERF). Several senators urged a broader discussion of transportation funding given rising construction costs and limited HEERF balances; others emphasized the immediate safety need at specific intersections.