RTAC tells MPO to expect continued rural infrastructure priority and pursues Arizona Smart Fund appropriation

Mister Adam, representing the Rural Transportation Advocacy Council, briefed the board on legislative priorities and the funding environment as the state prepares for the next legislative session.

He said overall revenue collections remain above forecast yet there are concerns about impacts from Washington that could reduce the state’s one‑time revenues. "If there is revenue available, we will be very, prepared to, pursue directing a good portion of that to the infrastructure," he told the board. He said RTAC has identified priority projects from regions across the state, including projects submitted by the Lake Havasu MPO, and that RTAC will also pursue an appropriation for the Arizona Smart Fund, which helps rural governments pursue federal competitive grants.

Adam told the board RTAC has already helped secure about $170 million in federal funding for projects that followed from state awards, and he estimated another potential $350 million could come through as projects complete the federal application process.

Board members asked for local success metrics; Adam said he could summarize Lake Havasu region results and return with specifics. The board thanked Adam for the update.