Environmental Activists
Submitted by:
Carolyn Campbell
Christina McVie
William Roe
As long-time conservationists in southern Arizona, we are excited to support the Regional Transportation Plan. Here’s why:
Included are significant bus system improvements: extended operation on many routes until midnight, more frequent service, additional buses to relieve overcrowding, expanded and new “express” bus routes, and new service to outlying areas.
An innovative central-city “high capacity transit” rail system that will relieve congestion in the central city, providing an alternative to driving for residents throughout the region.
Creation of new “urban greenway” bicycle paths and filling gaps in many of the current multi-use bike paths and lanes. This plan contains 550 miles of new bike routes and bicycle lanes. Bicycle facilities off main arterial roads will provide safe and pleasurable bicycling experiences for both commuters and recreational riders.
Over 200 miles of new sidewalks will be built with this funding, should the measure pass. We have long neglected the needs of pedestrians, who many times are forced to walk in the street, even on some of our busiest thoroughfares!
Wildlife crossing structures are a truly innovative element included in this Plan. This funding, with county open space bond funding, will help achieve the goals of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan regional efforts and open space acquisition program. Roads do not have to be the significant barrier that they are currently for our native wildlife.
Roadway corridors will be designed by residents and businesses along the affected corridors. Citizen involvement will be drastically increased under this Plan, with citizen committees of residents and business owners on each corridor having a real say in how their corridor will look and function.
This is a Plan that will truly help quality of life in our region. Please join us and support Questions 1 and 2.
