Transportation Corridor Planning for Arizona Regional Airport

This paper describes the many facets of the long-range planning process for establishment of the Arizona Regional Airport and a multimodal transportation corridor between the urban centers of Phoenix and Tucson serving the airport and local communities along the way. Through these long-range efforts, about 80 sq. miles of land have been set aside, or land-banked for the Regional Airport by the State of Arizona. Over 80% of the land bank is now owned by the State of Arizona. The planning for the transportation corridor envisions a broad band of land, from 1/2 miles in width to provide space for known and as yet unknown modes of transportation for people, goods, and utilities. This wide corridor is needed for environmental considerations. The interface between the various agencies and public interests is explained. The planning is truly long range as these facilities will not be needed for at least 20 yr.