What happened: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) identified a potential transportation funding gap as high as $166 billion in its draft 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The plan focuses on maintaining and preserving the existing state highway system, modernizing operations, and expanding highways.
Why it matters: The agency’s revenue projections range from $48.8 billion to $87.5 billion over 25 years. Over the same time, ADOT estimates $215.2 billion will be needed to maintain and develop the state’s transportation infrastructure. In 2021, 80 percent of its transportation revenue came from state funding sources including vehicle registration fees and motor fuel taxes. Arizona’s current motor fuel tax rate is 18.1 cents per gallon and has not been increased since 1991. The LRTP serves as a guide to aid lawmakers in their decisions.
What’s next: ADOT is gathering public feedback on the draft 2050 plan. A final proposal will be released in May and adopted in July. The agency will evaluate essential and non-essential projects for its final recommendation.