Pima County Bonds

It’s important to note that the implementation of the 1997 Transportation Bond Program has significantly improved the transportation infrastructure in Pima County. Of the 57 site-specific projects: 17 have been completed, and 11 of those projects are in district 1; 18 projects are on-going, 8 of these projects are in district 1, two of which will begin construction this year; 17 are scheduled for the near future, 4 of those projects in district 1; 3 are on hold, none in district 1.

The original 1997 Bond Program was estimated at $350 million dollars, and today the entire program is estimated at $686 million dollars. Today’s estimate is significant. However, the estimate consists of: community requests for mitigation measures to reduce environmental impacts, i.e., the incorporation of rubberized asphalt to reduce noise levels (sound walls, specialized landscaping); and native plant preservation to enhance the view and preserve critical habitat; and specialized roadway designs to protect the scenic quality of the roadways.

 

In May 2004, voters passed a $174 million bond package. Significant progress is being made on this 2004 bond program. Twenty-two properties have been acquired as of December 31, 2005, with total expenditures of $50 million to acquire 21,000 acres of land and 75,000 acres of state grazing leases and federal permits. Twelve of these properties were acquired since July 1, 2005. Three additional acquisitions are scheduled for completion by the end of the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2005/06, totaling $718,000 for an addition of 77 acres. Oro Valley has the library expansion, Kelly Ranch & Steam Pump Ranch, and Marana has the Regional Heritage Cultural Park and the Tortolita Trail System on their list of projects.

To see more information on the Pima County Bond Programs, please see the county website at www.bonds.pima.gov

For information on the Conservation Acquisition Commission Agenda and Summaries, please see the county website at www.bonds.pima.gov/commissionCAC/CACcommission.htm

For more information on the properties purchased through the bond process, please see the county website at www.bonds.pima.gov/2004status.htm