Sedona plans to spend nearly $14M across three projects to ease traffic in its Uptown area and is hoping to secure between $10M and $12M in funding from outside sources.
The projects are focused near a ‘Y’ Roundabout at the intersection of State Route 89A and SR 179. They are:
- Sedona in Motion Project 5E, a $5.4M roundabout at SR 89A and the Forest Road Extension;
- A $3.1M extension of Ranger Road to connect it to the roundabout, and
- Sedona in Motion Project 5D: A $5.1M roundabout at Ranger and Brewer roads.
The current roundabout at 89A and Brewer Road would be decommissioned. The projects are intended to improve traffic flow and accessibility through Uptown.
The Sedona City Council has authorized Public Works Director Kurt Harris to apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant to cover approximately $3.6M of the $5.1M roundabout at Ranger and Brewer.
A BUILD grant application last year was unsuccessful, but City officials are more optimistic now, following changes to another, smaller project in this year’s application. Sedona expects to find out in August if it was chosen.
In terms of funding from the State of Arizona, there are currently two funding bills working their way through the State Legislature with the support of the Northern Arizona Council of Governments. House Bill 2201 requests slightly more than $8M from the General Fund for Ranger Road and for the roundabout at 89A and the Forest Road Extension. HB 2609 requests more than $5M solely for the 89A/Forest Road Extension roundabout.
Appropriation requests are generally part of the annual budget reconciliation bill, rather than standalone items. Harris said he expects funding will come through the eventual omnibus appropriation measure. The 2025-2026 appropriations act was signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs in late June.
Harris said the City will continue to pursue grant funding as a backup measure if state funds are not appropriated. Sedona will also seek discretionary funding from the U.S. Congress.
The project start dates have not been announced, as they are dependent upon securing the necessary funding first. More information is available at sedonaaz.gov/sim. (Source)
