Transportation

ADOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program wins recognition

ADOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program wins recognition

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ADOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program wins recognition

ADOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program wins recognition

March 29, 2016

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program attendees

By Angela DeWelles / ADOT Communications

ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program received some recent recognition that we want to tell you about. But first we should probably give you a few details on the program itself, as it’s possible you’re not too familiar with it.

ADOT established its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. All state DOTs receiving federal project funds must have programs to ensure qualifying small businesses owned by individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged groups, including women and minorities, have an equal opportunity to participate on transportation projects.

ADOT’s DBE program ensures nondiscrimination in the award and administration of USDOT-assisted contracts by creating a level playing field for qualifying small businesses, says ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Manager Vivien Lattibeaudiere.

She explains that there’s a lot to the DBE program, including goals for contracts, regular studies, certifications and a program plan that must be updated every three years. That plan outlines everything about a DOT’s DBE program and must be approved by the USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. ADOT’s DBE Program Plan is also the subject of that recent recognition we mentioned at the top of this post…

In a USDOT/FHWA report released in at the end of 2015, ADOT’s plan was highlighted as a model that could be used to improve the organization and clarity of other state plans. Arizona was one of just eight states whose plan was recognized in the report.

“Our program plan is a good model,” Lattibeaudiere said. “It basically tells how we plan to meet all the requirements that are laid out in the regulations.”

ADOT hosts a number of training events, conferences and workshops each year to provide disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses with information and contacts.

“We help small businesses compete on federal aid projects,” said ADOT DBE Supportive Services Program Manager Kent Lane.

At the DBE & Small Business Transportation Expo, held last month at the Glendale Civic Center, ADOT and partner agencies, including the city of Phoenix and Valley Metro, hosted the event that allowed attendees to learn about project opportunities while networking with industry professionals. The photo above shows that event.

“ADOT is committed to providing equal opportunity to businesses wishing to help build and sustain Arizona’s transportation infrastructure,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “In federal fiscal year 2015, ADOT alone awarded $40 million in contracts to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.”

Find out about upcoming events on our website.

Have an opinion? We want to hear it!

Have an opinion? We want to hear it!

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Have an opinion? We want to hear it!

Have an opinion? We want to hear it!

March 18, 2016

Tentative 2017-2021 Five-Year transportation Facilities Construction Program

By Caroline Carpenter / ADOT Communications

There’s no such thing as oversharing or TMI when it comes to ADOT wanting to hear your opinions and feedback.

The public comment period begins today for the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program for 2017-2021. The program, detailing how ADOT intends to invest in future transportation projects, has three sections: highways, regional transportation plans and airport improvements.

ADOT recommends speeding up the following projects because of additional funding through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act and a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant.

  • Two Interstate 10 widening projects in Pinal County (State Route 87 to Picacho Peak and Earley Road to Interstate 8).
  • Two widening projects along US 93 and the State Route 347 railroad overpass project in the city of Maricopa. The SR 347 project received a $15 million TIGER grant and a $15 million local contribution to add to ADOT’s $19 million commitment.

Public Hearings

In addition to a public hearing held today in Oro Valley, here are other events:

April 15, 2016 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

May 20, 2016 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

June 17, 2016 at 9 a.m.: Board meeting in the City of Holbrook Council Chambers, 465 First Ave, Holbrook.

Arizona, Mexico sign agreement to further develop binational trade corridor

Arizona, Mexico sign agreement to further develop binational trade corridor

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona, Mexico sign agreement to further develop binational trade corridor

Arizona, Mexico sign agreement to further develop binational trade corridor

March 3, 2016

PHOENIX – Arizona and Mexico will further their collaboration on developing the key trade corridor connecting them under an agreement signed this week by Arizona Department of Transportation Director John Halikowski and Raul Murrieta Cummings, undersecretary of infrastructure for Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transport.

The memorandum of understanding, signed Tuesday in Mexico City, establishes a joint planning committee that will produce a study of ways to improve the corridor along Interstate 19 in Arizona and Highway 15 in Mexico. The primary north-south route in western Mexico and the western United States, the corridor feeds into Arizona’s port of entry system along with Arizona’s and Mexico’s highway systems.

The Arizona portion of the corridor will also serve as part of the anticipated route of Interstate 11, a multimodal transportation corridor from Nogales to the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. From there, I-11 will expand into northern Nevada, potentially reaching as far as Canada.

“Our efforts to strengthen the Arizona-Mexico relationship are already resulting in great success, including the signing of this agreement between ADOT and the Mexican federal Ministry of Communications and Transport,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “These efforts will grow our binational trade and make our freight and trade corridor one of the most competitive in the global market.”

Mexico is Arizona’s largest international trading partner, with $16 billion annually in imports and exports. By working together to invest in transportation infrastructure on both sides of the border, Arizona and Mexico will realize opportunities for connectivity, economic development and job growth.

“This is the culmination of years of building the right relationships and a continuation of Governor Ducey’s commitment to fostering a closer working relationship with Mexico,” Halikowski said. “Governor Ducey has challenged us to think big, to think as a business, and with this study we will push our sphere of influence beyond the border, helping Arizona companies tap into new business opportunities in Mexico. This will also help us position our corridor as a viable, cost-effective alternative to the corridors connecting Mexico to the Texas border.”

Mexico has pledged $100,000 and ADOT $200,000 toward the first phase of the multiyear Arizona-Mexico Corridor Study, which will identify priority transportation projects, solutions to congestion and backups along the Arizona-Mexico border, ideas to make the corridor more efficient for multimodal transportation, and technologies to improve efficiency and reliability. The study will also focus on identifying clusters for job creation and economic development along the entire corridor.

“This one-of-a-kind study will set us apart from the rest and help us market our region throughout the world,” Halikowski said.

ADOT is a member of the Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance, which includes the Arizona-Mexico Commission, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Office of Tourism, along with other partner agencies. The alliance focuses on creating economic development opportunities for Arizona and Mexico through investment in transportation infrastructure, partnerships and strategic planning.

“The Arizona-Mexico Corridor Study promises to bring greater understanding of the economic opportunities that exist for our region,” said David Farca, president of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. “In addition, it will help us raise awareness of Arizona’s strategic geographic position in the heart of an economically powerful mega-region that gives us a competitive advantage in the global market and makes Arizona a prime location to do business.”

Over the last few years, ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration, along with the U.S. General Services Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, have invested more than $250 million in improvements at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales ‒ improvements that benefit the overall corridor. Plans are moving forward to improve State Route 189 to enhance the flow of commercial truck traffic and to ensure international commerce can efficiently and safely travel between Arizona and Mexico.

During the meeting preceding the signing ceremony, Halikowski pushed for additional improvements to the Mexican side of Arizona’s ports of entry. Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transport reaffirmed its commitment of $2.2 billion for improvements to the Highway 15 corridor from Mexico City to the Arizona-Mexico border.

This week’s agreement promises to add not only needed infrastructure, but global opportunities.

“Arizona’s relationship with Mexico continues to grow and strengthen thanks to Governor Ducey’s efforts and ambitious trade agenda,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “In 2015 alone, Mexico accounted for more than $9 billion in Arizona exports. Conducting this study is an excellent step in enhancing the competitiveness of the Arizona-Mexico Corridor. Doing so will facilitate increased cross-border trade and advance Arizona’s position in the global economy.”

The Arizona-Mexico Corridor Study is expected to begin later this year.

As the World Trades: Leaders to discuss Arizona’s place in global economy

As the World Trades: Leaders to discuss Arizona’s place in global economy

I-17 101 traffic interchange

As the World Trades: Leaders to discuss Arizona’s place in global economy

As the World Trades: Leaders to discuss Arizona’s place in global economy

October 28, 2014

PHOENIX — Leaders from Arizona’s transportation, trade and commerce industries will come together with national and international business specialists next week to discuss Arizona’s stake in the global marketplace and strategies to foster international trade and economic growth.

The Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance, a partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona-Mexico Commission and the Arizona Commerce Authority, is hosting a steering committee meeting, followed by its second annual global trade forum on Nov. 6 in downtown Phoenix. The two events will bring together leaders from the state’s transportation and trade industries, along with business experts from the United States, Canada and Israel, with a focus on attracting international company investments and partnerships to Arizona.

Registration is still open for the event, which will be held at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in the Encanto Ballroom, 340 N. Third Street in Phoenix. Visit azmc.org to register. The cost is $35 to attend. The TTCA Steering Committee meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by the As the World Trades II forum from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., then ending with a hosted reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Guest speakers include:

  • Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles
  • Kerry Dewberry, controller with Magellan Aerospace
  • Ed Hadley, southwest region president of Walton Development and Management
  • Glenn Williamson, CEO and founder of the Canada Arizona Business Council
  • Bruce Wright, associate vice president of Tech Parks Arizona at the University of Arizona

The Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance recently completed its Roadmap, a comprehensive document designed to support moving Arizona toward a more globally competitive second century, focused on high-value trade and investment, market connectivity, and alignment of policy and actions. The Roadmap was constructed by a group of experts from the public and private sectors, brought together by Governor Jan Brewer to develop a plan to position Arizona in a fast-growing global marketplace.

The result of more than a year of work, the TTCA Roadmap makes a clear case for the need to continue to add modern and efficient transportation infrastructure to ensure Arizona’s connectivity to both domestic and global markets. This infrastructure connectivity provides the means to attract new businesses and industries, create jobs, foster trade and economic development, and secure investment and new wealth.

ADOT Director Honored by Arizona-Mexico Commission

ADOT Director Honored by Arizona-Mexico Commission

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT Director Honored by Arizona-Mexico Commission

ADOT Director Honored by Arizona-Mexico Commission

June 23, 2014

PHOENIX – At the recent Arizona-Mexico Commission plenary session, the organization recognized Arizona Department of Transportation Director John S. Halikowski for his work co-chairing the commission’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Ports Committee, spearheading the Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance, and for his keen understanding of infrastructure issues facing border communities.

This year, the Arizona-Mexico Commission awarded the Tony Certósimo Award to Halikowski, who, according to the group, “has committed to fostering improved relations with Mexico for numerous years. His leadership has advanced Arizona’s important cross-border agenda with Mexico and has embraced the mission of the Arizona-Mexico Commission in support of a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.”

During the award’s presentation, Arizona-Mexico Commission Executive Director Margie Emmermann applauded Halikowski for “understanding the marriage of infrastructure and economic development” and for championing this new vision throughout Arizona and beyond through his various Key Commerce Corridor efforts.

The award is given to an individual who embodies all that the Arizona-Mexico Commission strives to accomplish, according to the organization. The honor is named after the first executive director, who was influential in formalizing the Arizona-Mexico Commission by establishing its bylaws and developing the group as a nonprofit membership organization.

“John Halikowski deserves the Certósimo Award as he has embraced the mission of the Arizona-Mexico Commission to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life for all Arizonans though strong collaborations,” according to the nomination. “He has demonstrated this in his work and actions with all levels of the public and private sector on both sides of the border, and truly understands the importance of the relationship with Mexico for Arizona and sets the example for the agency he leads.”

The award was presented June 20 as part of the closing ceremonies for the semiannual meeting between Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Sonora Governor Guillermo Padrés Elías.

“As the Arizona Department of Transportation turns its focus to the Key Commerce Corridors for the state, the critical linkages between Arizona and Mexico require attention and investment, not only for Arizona but for the entire U.S.,” Halikowski said. “I’m honored to receive this award, which reflects the good work being done every day at ADOT to improve all of our critical connections that support economic development and prosperity.”

Funding Arizona transportation

Funding Arizona transportation

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Funding Arizona transportation

Funding Arizona transportation

April 24, 2012

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again … transportation is personal.

It’s not just about building and maintaining roads; transportation is what connects people, businesses and our communities. We think it’s pretty important and want to take a chance to briefly describe how transportation is funded in this state. The video above does a great job of explaining a complex topic. Here are a few of the basics…

Our transportation system is funded from two primary sources: the Federal Aid Highway Program and the Arizona Highway User Revenue Fund. The money for these funds comes from you.

Every time you pump gas, 18 cents per gallon goes to the federal fund and 19 cents goes to the state. This formula hasn’t changed since the early 1990s and doesn’t alter as gas prices go up and down …you pay the same amount whether gas is one dollar or five dollars a gallon.

The Federal Aid Highway Program is made up of more than 100 programs and is kind of a trust fund set up to make sure states spend money based on federal priorities. States build highway and transit projects before receiving partial reimbursement from the fund.

The Arizona Highway User Revenue Fund is a little more local …

Gas taxes, vehicle license fees and auto registration fees are part of what pay for this fund. Money from the AZ HURF is used for roads, but also supports other services. Portions of this fund go to counties, cities and towns for local programs.

You’ll see in the video above that people are keeping their cars longer and that vehicles are much more fuel efficient than they used to be. Both factors equal less money in the AZ HURF fund. Add on top of that, it costs more to maintain roads than it ever has…

So, how to pay for transportation in a way that makes everyone comfortable?

States and the federal government are working through that (you’ve probably read about it in the news). Just know that there are plenty of opportunities to have your opinions on the matter heard. 

We’ll continue to keep you updated and ask for your feedback!

Arizona's notable transportation history is subject of new report

Arizona's notable transportation history is subject of new report

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Arizona's notable transportation history is subject of new report

Arizona's notable transportation history is subject of new report

February 15, 2012

The Navajo Bridge, which opened in 1929 and spans the Colorado River, is just part of Arizona's transportation history.

Yesterday we kicked-off Arizona’s Centennial celebration with a look at where Arizona is today and how the work we do in the present will affect the lives of Arizonans in the future.

But we also promised that during the year ahead we’d dedicate our fair share of attention to celebrating Arizona’s past. And rest assured, history buffs, we do not plan to disappoint!

To prove it, we’re kicking off our retrospective by introducing a new report from the ADOT Research Center, Arizona’s Transportation History -- a 179-page publication that divides the timeline of our highway system into several distinct periods, dating all the way back to the 1400s.

“The biggest accomplishments in Arizona's highway history – the ones that really changed how Arizonans live – came early in the last century, when Arizona's highway engineers built the state's first modern, all-weather roads,” said Dr. Mark Pry, one of the researchers and authors of the report. Fred Andersen also researched and authored the report.

“Today we can barely comprehend how difficult travel once was for Arizonans,” said Pry. “Roads were rough or muddy, and sometimes they were simply impassable. There were no road signs, and often the shortest trips required long journeys over a maze of local roads. As a result, anyone who traveled from town to town faced a lot of uncertainty. You never knew exactly when you would arrive at your destination (or even if you would arrive) or what your mood and condition would be once you got there.”

The Beginning of Transportation in Arizona
Arizona's first real roads were mostly unmarked trails established by the Native Americans across the deserts, grasslands and mountains of our state. Members of the Hohokam and Hopi tribes, for example, routinely made long trips across Arizona and into other states for trading and for spiritual journeys to sacred locations.

Many of these first crude trails eventually carved the way for wagon roads in the mid-1800s in the area first known as the New Mexico Territory, which later became the Arizona Territory in 1863. In 1857, Congress ordered the construction of two federal wagon roads through the New Mexico territory. One of them would later become U.S. Route 66.

Railroads and the First Highways
The railroads came next to the Arizona Territory in the late 1870s. The arrival of the Southern Pacific and the Santa Fe railroads increased the demand for improved roads, as businesses and towns across the territory pushed for better connections to the two railroads' depots. However, it was the counties that built most of the roads during the territorial period, and many of these new county roads laid the groundwork for what would later become Arizona's first state highway system.

When Arizona entered statehood in 1912, Lamar Cobb was named the first state engineer and the Arizona Highway Department was born. The rise of the automobile created the need for new and improved roads throughout the state. But funding continued to be a challenge.

Early highways eventually took shape in the 1910s and 1920s. But the real growth of Arizona's highways took off once federal funding allocations became much more significant. During the period from the mid 1920s to the mid 1940s, Arizona's patchwork highway system was transformed into an integrated network of hard-surfaced state and federal highways.

“The development of the modern highway during the late 1920s and 1930s made motor vehicle travel safe and practical in all kinds of weather conditions,” said Pry. “Most importantly, it made travel predictable - an activity you could schedule. So much of what we now take for granted was made possible by this epic change: quick weekend road trips, scheduled bus and delivery services, ambulance trips to city hospitals by rural residents, fresh food in grocery stores, and second homes in the country. Above all, it paved the way for the development of Arizona's tourism industry, which is now a mainstay of the state's economy.”

The Boom of Highway Construction
The next 30 years, from the mid 1940s to the mid 1970s, would prove to be the boom period for Arizona. Population growth and urban expansion exploded, which in turn led to a surge in highway construction - much of it through federal funds. Arizona's federal and state highways were completely paved, and many roads in the state system were improved to meet modern safety standards.

It was during this time that Arizona turned its focus to creating new and improved highways to attract tourism. Major roadways opened in the 1970s, such as State Route 95 from Parker to Lake Havasu City, State Route 260 from Payson to Show Low, and State Route 74 from I-17 to Wickenburg.

In 1974, the Arizona Department of Transportation was created, replacing the Arizona Highway Department. And in 1978, a record number of miles in Arizona's interstate system were opened to traffic, as major portions of Interstate 8, Interstate 10, Interstate 17 and Interstate 19 were completed.

Creating a Freeway System
As the state highway system was rounded out, the beginnings of a freeway system in the Phoenix area started to take shape in the 1950s, and by 1971 three sections of freeways had officially opened in Maricopa County - the Black Canyon (I-17), the Maricopa (I-10) and the Superstition (U.S. 60). Freeway construction took off from there, both in Phoenix and in Tucson.

By the 1990s, Arizona's highway system reached maturity. It was also during this time that the continued rise of the state's population, particularly in the metropolitan regions, led to the need for freeway expansion to accommodate capacity.

A Modern Day System
Arizona's impressive network of highways was transformed into a modern day system. Projects took shape to improve the drives of travelers and preserve the infrastructure that was created. These are the projects you still see today. Everything from wider roadways, rubberized asphalt for smoother rides, digital message boards and freeway sensors for smart and high-tech transportation, and rumble strips etched into roadway shoulders to reduce crashes resulting from vehicles running off the road. To date, ADOT maintains nearly 7,000 miles of highways around Arizona.

Throughout Arizona's transportation history, there have been a lot of challenges, setbacks, victories and innovations. But on the centuries-old journey from crude trails to modern-day freeways, one thing is for certain: transportation began with a vision - and it still does today.

“People are always headed somewhere. They get there on an intricate series of transportation systems laid across the state, designed with purpose - for commutes, tourism, trade and commerce,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Transportation begins with a vision. Hundreds of years ago, that's the way it began too, before our state was even a territory.”

For a detailed look at Arizona’s transportation history, you can read the report in its entirety over on our website.

ADOT launches intercity rail study looking at potential Phoenix to Tucson link

ADOT launches intercity rail study looking at potential Phoenix to Tucson link

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ADOT launches intercity rail study looking at potential Phoenix to Tucson link

ADOT launches intercity rail study looking at potential Phoenix to Tucson link

October 7, 2011

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a new transportation connection between Phoenix and Tucson?

If you travel between these two major metropolitan areas, the Arizona Department of Transportation wants to hear from you!

Today ADOT launches a series of public involvement tools to help explore the different travel options that could exist between the two cities. Those options might include rail, transit, or even a no-action plan.

Together with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, ADOT hopes to use the public feedback to determine some potential corridors and narrow down the types of transportation options to explore. The feedback will also assist in completing an alternatives analysis and an environmental impact study.

So...how can you get involved?

Tonight is the first of 12 open house events being held over the next month in Pima, Pinal and Maricopa counties.

We've also launched a website where you can watch a quick video, read the project booklet and fill out a short comment form, all without heading out to a public meeting.

ADOT even offers a free “Do it Yourself” participation kit with informational materials and a DVD outlining the study. The kit can be ordered at the Intercity Rail website and will be mailed with a postage-paid return envelope for completed comment forms (comments must be received by Nov. 14). The kits are great for showing the video and encouraging comment form completion at your next HOA meeting, or book club event.

We encourage you to really explore the website, go to an open house, watch the video above and fill out the comment form! All your input will assist Arizona policymakers to prioritize the state’s transportation needs.

Here’s a list of the upcoming meetings:

Pima County

Oct. 7, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
University of Arizona Main Campus Mall
1303 E. University Blvd. in Tucson

Oct. 8, 6-9 p.m.
Second Saturday
44 N. Stone Ave. in Tucson

Oct. 13, 3-7 p.m.
Pima Community College Northwest Campus
7600 N. Shannon Road in Tucson

Oct. 14-16, times vary
Tucson Meet Yourself Event Exhibitor Booth Pima County Plaza
130 W. Congress in Tucson


Maricopa County

Oct. 11, 3-7 p.m.
Burton Barr Library Auditorium
1221 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix

Oct. 12, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Arizona State University Campus Mall
1151 S. Forest Ave. in Tempe

Oct. 24, 3-7 p.m.
Chandler Downtown Library Copper Room
22 S. Delaware Street in Chandler

Nov.1, 3-6:30 p.m.
Mesa Main Library Saguaro Room
64 E. First Street in Mesa

Pinal County

Oct. 18, 3-7 p.m.
Town of Florence Town Hall
775 N. Main Street in Florence

Oct. 19, 3-7 p.m.
Central Arizona College Signal Peak Campus, Room M101
8470 N. Overfield Road in Coolidge

Oct. 25, 3-7 p.m.
City of Eloy Council Chambers
628 N. Main Street in Eloy

Oct. 27, 3-7 p.m.
City of Casa Grande Council Chambers
510 E. Florence Blvd. in Casa Grande

 

ADOT to host next International Conference on Ecology and Transportation

ADOT to host next International Conference on Ecology and Transportation

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ADOT to host next International Conference on Ecology and Transportation

ADOT to host next International Conference on Ecology and Transportation

September 8, 2011

When the 2011 International Conference on Ecology and Transportation wrapped up late last month in Seattle, the very exciting announcement was made that ADOT had been selected to serve as host for the next conference in 2013!

Now, maybe you’re not too familiar with the ICOET, but this conference is kind of a big deal!

It’s held every two years and showcases research and best practices related to ecology and transportation planning. According to a letter from 2011 ICOET Conference Chair Paul Wagner, each conference brings the participation of hundreds of transportation and ecology professionals from the US and more than 21 countries.

Todd Williams, director of ADOT’s Office of Environmental Services, says the conference is a chance to really highlight the great efforts ADOT makes in incorporating ecological concerns into the way we plan, build and maintain our transportation infrastructure.

A couple examples of those efforts include wildlife crossings built on Arizona’s highways (more on this next week) and ADOT’s vegetation management program.

But, ecology is broader than just wildlife and plants.

“It’s about sustainability and long-range conservation transportation planning,” Williams said

That’s evidenced by just a few of the many presentations from this year’s conference: Safety First:

  • Reducing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions
  • New Approaches and GIS Tools for Transportation Planning and Design
  • Sustainability in Bridges: The Art and Community of Celebrating our Landscape

To be considered as a host for this conference, departments of transportation submit letters and supporting documents telling ICOET officials why their state would be a good spot for the conference.

Williams says based on that application, the ICOET committee narrows down the field and sends out additional questions to transportation officials in just a few states they’re considering. From there, they select the host state DOT.

And, while ADOT is the host for the 2013 conference, there will be plenty of co-sponsors and a lot of collaboration from other agencies, like Arizona Game and Fish, Forest Service officials and universities, according to Williams.

Take a look at the video above … it was shown at the end of this year’s conference and gave participants a look at why Arizona is a great venue for the next ICOET!

Welcome to ADOT's blog!

Welcome to ADOT's blog!

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Welcome to ADOT's blog!

Welcome to ADOT's blog!

April 11, 2011

Transportation is personal. It affects every aspect of our daily lives, giving us the freedom to move where, when and how we want to go. It’s how we get to work in the morning and back home at night. It’s how the products we buy get to stores and how the products we sell get to our customers. It’s how we reach destinations in our state.

Transportation connects people, businesses and our communities. It determines lifestyle choices – where we live and options to get around. It marks milestones in our lives – the excitement of a teenager with a new driver license. It supports economic growth – moving people and goods where they need to go.

At ADOT, we’ve struggled with ways to help people understand that. How do we foster meaningful conversations – not just about a construction project that will affect your daily commute – but conversations that put people in touch with services we provide and involve people in transportation issues and solutions.

This blog is one way to connect with you – to help inform people about what we do and why and how we do it. My hope is that by delving a little deeper into what ADOT does, we can help readers better understand our transportation infrastructure, see how their tax dollars are being spent, stay safer on our roads, find needed services, or just learn something cool about our state and the people around us.

I’m going to have some help blogging along the way from other members of ADOT, providing insight into the people behind our services through articles, videos and photos.

So, I hope you’ll bookmark this page, subscribe to our RSS feed, share our posts, and, of course, leave behind lots of comments. For starters, tell me what topics interest you, let me know how we’re doing, or just say hello.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more to come!