The item is presented for discussion only.

At the February 2020 Budget Retreat, a member of the City Council asked about the prioritization of transportation improvements within the Lone Tree Road corridor and the John Wesley Powell Boulevard extension.  In 2018 Flagstaff voters approved Propositions 419 and 420.  Proposition 419 identified both the Lone Tree corridor and the extensions of John Wesley Powell Boulevard as projects that should be funded.  Staff will provide information on each and what the proposal is to deliver these important transportation improvements. 

A presentation will be attached to the final agenda item.

In preparation for a potential 2018 ballot measure to renew the 20-year transportation tax, the City Council created the Citizens Transportation Tax Commission (CTTC) to identify the projects that should be funded.  The Commission met over a series of months and did forward a recommendation to City Council.  The Commission considered a number of criteria in their recommendation including congestion management, mobility choice, safety, arterial connectivity, economic development, benefit-cost analysis, and environmental impacts.  The recommendation also had to consider project cost estimates and projected tax revenues.  The CTTC identified a list of projects citywide within the projected funding amount for the renewal of the transportation tax, Proposition 419; and a separate ballot question to fund the Lone Tree Overpass from Butler Avenue to Route 66, Proposition 420.  Both propositions were approved by the voters. 

The collection of the transportation tax (Proposition 419) will begin on July 1, 2020.  The collection of the dedicated sales tax for Proposition 420 began in January 2019.  The transportation tax funds a 20 year program that is planned in 5 year increments, the 5 year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  Through the adoption of the CIP in the annual budget, City Council funds the next year of projects.  Projects in years 2-5 may be altered with each 5 year plan.  Funding for projects typically spans a number of budget years to take them from planning and design through construction.  Projects in the proposed 2020-21 CIP include Lone Tree Overpass, Fourth Street and Butler Avenue widening.  

Lone Tree Corridor and Lone Tree Overpass
The City of Flagstaff in partnership with the Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization (FMPO), completed the Lone Tree Corridor Study in 2006.  This is a comprehensive study from Route 66 to John Wesley Powell that was completed with community stakeholders and provides a 15% concept design.  The plan includes implementation priorities and was adopted by the Flagstaff City Council.  Peak Engineering is reviewing the 2006 study.  Staff will then propose a process to proceed with design and construction.  The proposed 5 year Capital Improvement Program has funds programmed in 2023-2024 for South Lone Tree Road to continue the design process.

The City of Flagstaff and FMPO completed the Lone Tree Overpass Study in 2010 which provides 30% plans for the overpass.  The segment from Route 66 to Butler was identified in the 2006 Lone Tree Corridor Study (above) as a high priority.  The City coordinated with the developers of the Aspen Place at the Sawmill to realign Lone Tree between Franklin and Butler, consistent with the 2006 study and in preparation for construction of the overpass.  Since the approval of Proposition 420, which funds the Lone Tree Overpass, the City has retained Peak Engineering to review the 2010 30% plans in preparation for releasing an RSOQ to retain a consulting team to complete the 100% plans for the overpass.  The City has also begun sharing information regarding property acquisition with some impacted property owners.  As stated in the proposition, the City anticipates completing the construction of the new overpass by November 2026.  Funding for the overpass is included in the 5 year CIP over the duration of the project from design completion to construction.

John Wesley Powell Extensions
Proposition 419 includes 100% funding to complete John Wesley Powell (JWP) from the Airport to Lake Mary Road.  Funding is shown in the proposed 5 year Capital Improvement Plan beginning in 2024-2025 to start design work.  Proposition 419 anticipates 40% funding to complete JWP from Pine Canyon to South Fourth Street.  The concept to complete JWP requires the remaining 60% funding from an Improvement District where benefiting property owners contribute the balance.  The State Land Trust and NAU are major property owners and would not be required to participate in an Improvement District. 
   
In 2018 the City Council awarded a contract to Peak Engineering to complete Phase I of the John Wesley Powell Specific Plan.  The plan will provide a conceptual design with alternatives of the roadway, utilities, and public facilities location analysis.  Phase 1 of the Study includes a sanitary sewer system master plan for the area. A water system master plan was previously developed for the area.  Phase II will take the plan through a public process with the eventual goal being City Council adoption of the JWP Specific Plan.  An option staff is considering is to include the JWP Specific plan with the Regional Plan 2030 update, anticipated to begin in 2022.    

Summary
Lone Tree Road and John Wesley Powell Boulevard are two projects within the 20 year CIP.  30% plans have been completed for the Lone Tree Overpass and it is fully funded by Proposition 420.  15% plans have been completed for the Lone Tree Corridor and is fully funded by Proposition 419.  The conceptual design of the extension of John Wesley Powell from Pine Canyon to Fourth Street is a component of the JWP Specific Plan.  Current funding requires the creation of an Improvement District to fund 60% of the project.  The proposed 2020-21 CIP funds the Lone Tree Overpass through its construction, it funds Lone Tree design (Butler to Pine Knoll) in 2023-24, and JWP design (Airport to Lake Mary Rd) in 2024-25.