Highway Extension and Expansion Loan Program (HELP)

The HELP program was established by the Arizona Legislature in 1998 as a comprehensive loan and financial assistance program for eligible highway projects in Arizona. This program provides the State and communities with a financing mechanism to stretch limited transportation dollars and bridge the gap between needs and available revenues.

HELP is a State Infrastructure Bank (SIB), a funding mechanism authorized by Congress in the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995. SIBs operate much like banks, providing financial assistance in the form of loans or credit enhancement for eligible projects. As borrowers repay principal and interest on loans, the bank is replenished and monies can be re-loaned so that the SIB becomes a self-sustaining mechanism to fund critical transportation projects.

HELP is served by a seven-member Advisory Committee, charged with developing applications and guidelines, reviewing loan and financial assistance requests, and making recommendations to the State Transportation Board (STB) on loans and financial assistance requests. The Advisory Committee is also required to submit an annual report on the HELP program to the Governor and the Legislature. The STB has the final approval authority on all HELP loans.

Currently, HELP loan applications are not being accepted due to state budget issues. HELP program questions or comments should be emailed to helpinfo@azdot.gov.

Current Information:

2011 HELP Annual Report (see Audits and Reports – Archive for previous years)
June 30, 2012 Audited Financial Statement (see Audits and Reports – Archive for previous years)
HELP statutes - see Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 28, Chapter 21, Article 5