Last week we gave a brief overview of how ADOT plans for future transportation needs through a three-phased approach. We covered the Visioning phase (if money was no object, how would we plan for Arizona ’s transportation future) and the Planning phase (given that resources are limited, how should we prioritize the needs identified in the Vision).

Which takes us to phase three: Programming.

The Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program determines which projects will be funded over the next five years. Basically, it serves as a blueprint for future projects statewide and designates how regional, state and federal funding is allocated.

Because budgets are uncertain, the Five-Year Program is updated every year. The first two years are always fiscally constrained, meaning we already know what projects will be funded. But the three remaining years are built on budget estimates and can be re-prioritized, which is where you come in.

We’ve recently put the current Tentative Five-Year Program, which runs from 2012 to 2016 and includes $5.6 billion for highway construction, up for public review and would love to get your input.

The Director’s video blog (above) gives a little more explanation and the program Web page includes a guide on how to read the actual document.

So, please take some time to review the program and send us your thoughts on which projects you think should move forward first.

Public hearings will also be conducted in Southern Arizona, Metro Phoenix and Flagstaff through May 20th (check Facebook or the program website for dates and locations).

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments before adopting the final Five-Year Program in June.

Ever try to figure out how ADOT decided to put a freeway where it did? Or why some roads have wider shoulders than others?

Well, none of it happened by accident. ADOT, like most transportation agencies, takes a three-phased approach to transportation decision making: Vision, Planning and Programming.

In Phase One – the Transportation Vision – basically, the sky’s the limit. If money was no object, what would Arizona ’s transportation future look like? No fiscal restraint means everything is on the table.

In 2008 and 2009, ADOT worked with people and organizations throughout the state to develop the transportation vision by reviewing the needs for the next 40 years.  This vision is called “Building a Quality Arizona” and was established with no fiscal constraints. The transportation vision for the state sets the comprehensive foundation for other plans that are fiscally constrained.

The Long-Range Transportation Plan – or Phase Two – must take revenues and funding into account.

This plan looks 20-25 years into the future and identifies the state’s transportation needs while estimating what resources will be available to meet those needs. This is the plan that sets the overall strategic priorities that will guide ADOT’s investments into the future.

According to Arizona law, the Long-Range Transportation Plan must be updated every five years. The next adoption is coming up soon and there’s still time to give us your input. Take a look at the video above to find out about the process.

While the Long-Range Transportation Plan sets priorities, the actual projects are decided in the Five-Year Program (Phase Three). We’ll get more into that process next week. Stay tuned!