A state audit of the Regional Transportation Authority shows that road projects in and around Tucson continue to suffer major funding shortages, and no immediate solutions appear to be close at hand.
Eleven major projects, most of which are in Tucson, face a $150M funding gap. Per-project shortfalls range between $2M and $64M. Rising construction costs and unexpected physical problems have contributed to the overruns and shortfalls.
The City of Tucson and the RTA have been embroiled in conflict for months as to who is responsible for what costs and who should dictate project resources and details.
This has jeopardized timelines on several projects, including a plan to widen First Avenue to improve safety and relieve congestion.
One sticking point is RTA is only obligated to meet funding amounts included on the 2006 ballot measure that created the Authority. RTA officials say it is Tucson’s obligation to cover the caps that have arisen over the last 15 years.
Officials may have to reduce the scale of some projects to meet current cost realities. Federal grant procurement is also a possibility, but it is unclear how any awarded funds would be used.
Tucson City Manager Michael Ortega and RTA officials have pledged to work together to close funding gaps, but no details have been provided. (Source)