The proposed $2.67 billion RTA Next regional transportation plan includes $177.6 million for pavement rehabilitation on arterial and collector roads across the greater Tucson region.
Funding was set aside in the 20-year regional transportation plan developed by the Regional Transportation Authority for these proposed improvements based on public input received from an RTA Next survey conducted of the draft plan in late 2024/early 2025 in addition to feedback received at in-person outreach events.
“We heard from the public that this was a regional priority need,” said RTA Board Chair Joe Winfield. “Roads in good condition matter to people and businesses so they don’t have to stress about getting from one place to the next. Our goal with RTA Next is to maintain a transportation network that is reliable, efficient and safe for all users.”
Over the 20 years of the proposed RTA Next plan, more than 200 lane miles of pavement will be addressed curb to curb to fix roadways that are in poor condition.
Neighborhood streets will continue to be addressed by local jurisdictions, which own the local infrastructure. These improvements typically are funded by separate federal and state resources that come into the region directly to the jurisdictions.
Since RTA funds can be applied to larger, regional transportation projects, jurisdictions don’t have to dip into the state and federal resources they receive to address other pressing needs, leaving more funds to fix neighborhood streets.
The RTA Next plan and tax propositions to fund it, which will be presented to voters on March 10, 2026, (via a mail-in only ballot) includes funding for the following main transportation elements:
- Roadway (multimodal) Corridor Element – $1.4 billion
- Safety, ADA and Active Transportation Element – $255 million
- Arterial and Collector Roads, Pavement Rehabilitation Element – $178 million
- Environmental Element – $50 million
- Transit – $726 million
Another $42 million is set aside for administrative costs, including a portion of the funding to manage a Small Business Assistance Program that supports businesses before and during construction projects.
5 things to know about the RTA Next plan and tax, if approved:
- No tax increase. If the RTA Next plan and tax are approved, the tax rate remains the same with no tax overlap
- RTA funds nearly 2/3 of regional transportation needs: $125 million annually to stretch limited federal and state resources
- RTA funded-transit service expansions to continue. Additional enhancements planned
- 48,000 additional jobs created across region over 20 years. Plus short-term construction jobs
- $3.7 billion economic benefits over 20+ years. Supported by public and private sector investments on improved transportation corridors.
Questions: Email us at info@RTAnext.com