1 1 Celebra year FY g our 5 th F Y J u ly 1, 2010 - J u n e 30, 2011 A n n u a l R e p o r t www.RTAmobility.com tin 2007-20 Letter from the Chair The past year marks the fifth of the 20-year Regional Transportation Authority Plan. It’s been a busy five years, and with more than 400 projects Jennifer Eckstrom, completed, the RTA has RTA Chair, significantly delivered Mayor of South Tucson on the promises made to you. The projects have been implemented throughout the region, and are making our area an even better place to live. Please see the center section for details on what has been accomplished this past year. At a time of economic hardship for so many, the RTA has helped our region by enabling thousands of people to be employed. The RTA created more than 1,800 new jobs in our community in the Plan’s first five years based upon a study performed by the Economic & Business Research Center at the University of Arizona Eller College of Management in 2009. As more RTA projects go to construction, they will support thousands of additional jobs. The Modern Streetcar project, for example, is expected to bring 500 new jobs to our community during its construction, which is anticipated to get under way early next year. We were particularly excited that last May, the Brookings Institute ranked our region 4th among 100 metropolitan areas for job accessibility by public transit. The availability of high quality transit is valuable in attracting and expanding business in our region. Additionally we are grateful for the excellent job our partners at the City of Tucson, Sun Tran, Professional Transit Management and MV Transportation have done in implementing the new and expanded service funded by the RTA. We take seriously our commitment to use the taxpayers’ money as effectively as we can. Last year, in an effort to improve the delivery of projects, the RTA board initiated a review of first period projects. Last November they received a detailed report. The report identified several processes and best practices the RTA and its Jurisdictional partners could employ to ensure delivery on time and on budget. As a result, the RTA has implemented internal process controls to ensure project consistency and efficiency. Specifically, a process called Value Analysis was implemented. Of the projects examined using this process so far more than one hundred million dollars in potential savings have been identified. Other controls instituted include requiring project charter documents for all new planning and design projects to ensure that the teams working on them are fully aware of the voterapproved scope of work and budget prior to project commencement. Additionally, the RTA Board has adopted maximum reimbursement amounts for soft costs such as planning and design expenses to help control total project expenditures. To take advantage of historically low rates, low constructions costs and to help continue to stimulate our economy, the RTA Board authorized the issuance of $150 million in bond funding. This will help finance RTA construction projects scheduled to be built in the second five-year period of the RTA plan. These bonds, which were always part of the Plan, will be paid back by June 30, 2026. While the RTA Plan moves into its next five-year period, the regional governing board will continue to explore whatever further options are available in an effort to initiate as many projects as possible, and to do so with a strong focus on maintaining and enhancing cost efficiency and effectiveness with every opportunity. Overwhelming public support of this plan is the reason that roadway projects, expanded neighborhood and express transit service, new bike paths and sidewalks, and more pedestrian crossings are evident and prominent across the region. On behalf of the RTA Board, I express to you my sincerest thanks once again for your support for improved safety and mobility as well as job creation for our entire region, and look forward to moving ahead together to see the goals of the Plan fulfilled as promised. Twin peaks bridge 2011 RTA Board RTA Chair Jennifer Eckstrom Mayor of South Tucson RTA Vice Chair Satish Hiremath Mayor of Oro Valley Robert Valencia Vice Chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Duane Blumberg Mayor of Sahuarita Ned Norris Jr. Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation Ed Honea Mayor of Marana Ramon Valadez Pima County Board of Supervisors Robert Walkup Mayor of Tucson Steve Christy Arizona State Transportation Board Member _____________________ Gary G. Hayes Executive Director of Pima Association of Governments/Regional Transportation Authority green valley frontage road 2011 CART Committee James Barber Robert Cook Roger Cracraft Joseph Dhuey Grace Evans Kentton C. Grant David Heineking Douglas S. Mance George H. McFerron Albert R. Pesqueira William N. Poorten III Armando Rios Jr. Richard R. Roberts Charlene Robinson Larry Steckler Herb Trossman Thais Young M. Joe Yee Steve Huffman Chris Albright Jurisdiction Representatives David Longoria, City of South Tucson Citizens oversee RTA plan implementation In FY 2010-11, the Regional Transportation Authority completed its first five years of implementation of its 20-year regional transportation plan. The Citizens Accountability for Regional Transportation (CART) Committee, which oversees the implementation of the voter-approved RTA plan, believes the Kelle Maslyn, Chair RTA has initiated and completed projects as required during that time. In fact, CART Committee the work done during this period was quuite impressive. With more than 400 projects completed, everyone who travels in our region has been positively affected, and the creation of jobs has been a great benefit to our people and our economy. Throughout the years, the RTA has kept the CART Committee informed about the progress of the plan implementation and has met our requests for additional information. In the past year, the CART noted that the RTA sold $150 million in municipal bonds in May 2011, as authorized by the plan. These funds will ensure that the RTA will meet the planned completion of the second five-year phase of the plan. In addition to the CART Committee’s oversight, the RTA added internal process controls in the past year to ensure RTA projects are delivered consistently and cost effectively. This was the result of a review of roadway projects started during the first five years of the plan. The CART Committee recognizes the value in identifying ways to reduce costs, improve processes, recognize best practices and actively and continually find ways to better deliver all their projects. Thanks to the RTA Board, member jurisdictions and the RTA staff for their work on all of the projects. The CART Committee is proud of all the work completed and everyone’s dedication to delivering the promises made to voters. With this solid foundation, we believe the second phase of RTA plan implementation will mirror the success of our first five years. Anna Jolivet, City of Tucson 2011 Technical Management Committee Kendall Elmer, Pima County Jurisdiction Representatives Private Sector Representatives Kelle Maslyn, Town of Marana Enrique Serna, City of South Tucson Jim Glock, City of Tucson Richard Miranda, City of Tucson John Bernal, Pima County Chuck Huckelberry, Pima County Gilbert Davidson, Town of Marana Greg Caton, Town of Oro Valley Jim Stahle, Town of Sahuarita Francisco Valencia, Pascua Yaqui Tribe Fred Stevens, Tohono O’odham Nation Timothy Ahrens Roger Caldwell William Carroll Paul Cella Chet Davis Jordan Feld Katrina Heineking Bob Iannarino Jim Schoen Steve Shepherd Frank Thomson Marshall Worden Tom Bush, Town of Oro Valley Charles Mendonca, Pascua Yaqui Tribe Dennis Skelton, Town of Sahuarita Gerald Fayaunt, Tohono O’odham Nation Campbell/ft. lowell intersection RTA Board. The recommendations are provided to each managing jurisdiction for final consideration and implementation. While these proposals are not mandated, they are options which can be used to bring the costs of a project in line with the funds available to build the project while maintaining quality. FY 2010-11 Highlights Value analysis identifies millions in cost savings The Regional Transportation Authority conducted value analysis reviews of two roadway projects in FY 2010-11, identifying millions in savings after assessing the project design in detail. The analysis was a direct response to recommendations that were developed following a review of all first-period projects in summer 2010. In April 2011, the value analysis on Houghton Road identified $47 million in potential savings on the project, which has a project cost estimate of $180 million. The second project analysis in June focused on Grant Road, Oracle to Swan. The Grant Road project has 6 phases and a project cost estimate of $197 million, exceeding the project budget by $25.5 million. The value analysis identified a range of $43 million to $46 million in potential savings. Each value analysis is conducted by a team that includes the project manager and design engineer from the respective jurisdictions as well as design professionals that provide technical expertise on areas relevant to the individual project. The team reviews the project’s scope of work as shown in the RTA plan and approved by voters in 2006. Recommendations, which focus on saving and improving the mobility goals of the project, are presented to the Technical Management Policy Subcommittee and then to the Technical Management Committee before moving on to the New cost-saving controls in place Jurisdictions managing RTA projects are now required to complete a project charter. The charter identifies the RTA-approved scope of work, project budget, project schedule, project participants and commits all signers to adhere to the scope, schedule and budget. The Jurisdictions leading projects must also present any scope, schedule or budget changes at the conclusion of the planning phase to the RTA Board, prior to proceeding to final design. RTA Board approves sale of bonds In May 2011, the RTA sold $150 million in municipal bonds to provide gap funding for specific second-period projects, during FY 2012-16. Sale of the bonds at this time are a triple win for the community: The bonds sold are at historically low rates, the RTA is able to take advantage on very low construction costs, and simultaneously get more people to work. As it developed the transportation plan, the RTA anticipated the need for bond funding over the 20-year period to accommodate for economic fluctuations in cash flow generated from the countywide ½-cent sales tax which funds the plan. The bonds will be paid back with interest by June 30, 2026. Roadway project completions During FY 2010-11, several roadway projects were completed. Just prior to the start of the fiscal year, the first project to be completed was the Houghton and Old Vail roads intersection, the first project of the 11 phase Houghton Road project, from Interstate 10 to Tanque Verde Road. In November Sahuarita Rd. divided arterial 2010, the RTA celebrated the dedication of the new Twin Peaks Interchange and improved Camino de Mañana, which was renamed Twin Peaks Road by the Marana Town Council. In January 2010, the first phase of Sahuarita Road, from Interstate 19 to La Villita, was dedicated. The I-19 frontage road between Continental and Canoa roads in Green Valley was dedicated in February 2011. Modern Streetcar The RTA started off the new year with the addition of a new transit services director, Carlos de Leon, in January 2011 to help lead with the comanagement of the Modern Streetcar project with the City of Tucson. Mr. de Leon joined us from the City of Tempe where he was deeply involved with the metro light rail project. In April, the Regional Transportation Authority and the City of Tucson decided to seek proposals for construction of the full 3.9-mile streetcar rail line rather than seek proposals for four segments in order to save at least $6 million. The savings will be realized due to economies of scale relating to the use of workers and equipment. The City of Tucson also announced it anticipated saving another $3.5 million by purchasing T-rail for the streetcar tracks because it is readily available and can be installed at reduced labor costs compared to block rail, which was previously considered. Rail construction for the $196.8 million capital project is fully funded and scheduled to begin in early 2012. One of the more high profile projects of the RTA plan, the modern streetcar project will be funded primarily with $75 million from the RTA and another $63 million from a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant. The RTA also is funding another $13 million toward operations. Streetcars will be manufactured by Oregon Iron Works in Portland, Ore., with revenue service expected to begin in late 2013. Transit Thanks to voter-funded RTA expansion of Sun Tran service, new Sun Express service and new neighborhood service with Sun Shuttle, our region was ranked 4th in the country for Job Access by the Brookings Institute. During the year, the RTA continued to see increased ridership with its Sun Shuttle neighborhood transit service in the outlying communities with connections to Sun Tran. The Sun Shuttle system ridership more than doubled in year two of service with over 150,000 trips provided between May of 2010 and April 2011. The 115 percent increase in ridership is attributed to route changes approved by the RTA Transit Working Group and an increasing awareness of the service. Construction of the third phase of Sun Tran Bus Service and Maintenance Facility is under way and expected to be completed in early 2012. This will complete the LEED certified facility enabling it to handle up to 250 buses. Safety The RTA started construction on 19 bus pullouts in the past year. Each pull out is in stops where there Is major boarding activity. When completed, each pull out not only speeds traffic, but is ADA compliant and has a shelter for passengers. Technology improvements to traffic signals continued across the region, and intersection improvements such as Campbell and Ft. Lowell continue across the region to improve the safety and capacity of our streets. 5-year totals At the completion of its first five years, the RTA initiated 464 projects and programmed $595.8 million. Through FY 2010-11, the RTA completed 420 projects, including 78 projects or services in transit, and had another 80 projects in design with 44 more under construction. The MainStreet business assistance program provided direct business consulting services to more than 240 companies located near RTA construction projects. FY 2010-11 RTA Project Status Roadway/Intersections Completed • Twin Peaks Interchange (No. 3) • Twin Peaks Road (Camino de Manaña), I-10 to Tangerine (No. 2) • Houghton Road at Old Vail/Mary Ann Cleveland (No. 32) • Sahuarita Road, I-19 to La Villita (No. 34) • I-19 Frontage Road, Continental to Canoa Road (No. 35) La Cañada Drive and drainage • Fort Lowell / Campbell intersection • Golf Links / Wilmot intersection • Starr Pass / Mission intersection Roadway/Intersections Under Construction: • La Cañada, Ina to Calle Concordia (No. 11) • La Cholla, River to Ruthrauff (No. 10) • Magee, La Cañada to Mona Lisa (No. 7) • Speedway, Camino Seco to Houghton (No. 28) • Tanque Verde, Catalina Highway to Houghton (No. 27) • Golf Links / Kolb intersection Bus Pullouts Under Construction: • 40 Bus Pullouts Bike Improvements Under Construction: • Reid Park Multi-Use Path • Pantano River Park • Bear Canyon Bike Path • 4th Avenue Bike Boulevard Roadway Projects In Planning and Design: • Grant Road, Oracle to Swan (Project No.18) • 22nd Street, Tucson/Barazza to I-10 (Project No. 19) • Tangerine Road , I-10 to La Cañada (Project No. 2) • Sahuarita Road, La Villita to Country Club (Project No. 34) • Houghton Road, Tanque Verde to I-10 (Project No. 32) • Valencia Road, Ajo to Mark (Project No. 21) • Valencia Road, Alvernon to Kolb (Project No. 24) • Downtown Links (Project No. 16) • Silverbell Road, Grant to Ina (RTA Project No. 5) • Kolb Connection (RTA Project No. 26) • La Cholla Blvd., Magee to Tangerine (RTA Project No. 4) • Broadway Blvd., Euclid to Country Club (RTA Project No. 17) Transit Highlights: • Oro Valley Dial-A-Ride implemented • Modern streetcar vehicle contract awarded RTA Projects Expected to Commence Construction in FY 2011-12 Roadway Improvements • Magee Rd: Mona Lisa to La Cañada • Magee Rd: Mona Lisa to Thornydale • Downtown Links: 8th St. drainage • Downtown Links: St. Mary’s • Kolb Rd. Extension • La Cañada: River to Ina • 22nd. St. / Kino Interchange • Houghton Rd.: Irvington to Valencia • Grant / Oracle, 15th Ave. to 10th Ave. • La Cholla: Magee Overton Intersection • Mona Lisa / Orange Grove • Alvernon / Valencia • Ina / Oracle Elderly Pedestrian Safety • Valencia Street Lighting • Swan and 3rd. HAWK Signal • Homer Davis Safe Routes to School • Speedway / Arcadia HAWK Signal Bus Pullouts • 1st. Ave. • 6th. Ave. • Alvernon Way • Oracle Rd. Railroad / bridge • Golder Ranch Rd. Bridge at CDO Wash • Marsh Station Rd. Bridge at Cienega Creek Environmental & Economic Vitality • Valencia Rd.: West of Camino De la Tierra to Cardinal Bike Lanes • Abrego Bike Lanes Transit • Rita Ranch Sun Shuttle Dial-A-Ride Special Needs transit for Elderly and disabled citizens Projects RTA Financial Statement, FY 2010-11 FY 2007-11 Completed (000’s) Revenues Plan Element as of 6-30-11 Sales Tax Bond/Investment Income Other $ 64,760 Roadway Total Roadway $ 151,458 $ 6,120 5 Safety $ 222,338 Intersection 95 Expenditures Elderly & Pedestrian 80 Roadway Improvements Bus Pullouts 44 Total Roadway $ 41,038 Railroad Bridge 3 Safety Signal Technology 42 Intersection $ 10,091 Total Safety 264 Total Revenues Transit Corridor Bus Pullouts $ 2,011 Elderly & Pedestrian $ 776 At-grade Rail/ Bridge Deficiencies $ 761 Signal Technology $ 642 Total Safety Environmental & Economic Vitality Greenways, Bikeways, Pathways & Sidewalks 66 Transportation-related Critical Wildlife Linkages 7 Total Environmental & Economic Vitality 73 $ 14,281 Environmental & Economic Vitality Greenways, Bikeways, Pathways & Sidewalks Transit Transportation-related Weekday Evening 21* Critical Wildlife Links $ 688 Weekday Service 23 Small Business Assistance $ 527 Bus Frequency & Overcrowding Relief 6** Total Environmental & Economic Vitality $ 2,805 Park ‘n Ride Transit Centers 6*** Transit Neighborhood Circulator 11 Sun Tran Services Expansion High $ 5,596 Capacity Streetcar 0 Special Needs Express $ 1,981 Service 7 New Buses & Special Needs 3 Maintenance Facilities $ 4,682 Maintenance Storage Facility 1 Neighborhood Circulator $ 4,197 Total Transit 78 Modern Streetcar $ 14,371 $ 1,590 Total Transit Administration Expenses# $ 30,827 Total Expenditures $ 90,856 Surplus/(Deficit) $ 131,482 Year-end Fund Balance $ 192,721 # $ 1,860 A one-time cost for issuance of bonds Grand Total * 420 21 routes received weekday evening service, fully implementing this service expansion ** 7 routes received overcrowding relief; construction of a bus maintenance facility was completed in October 2009 *** Includes completed temporary lots Front cover, clockwise from top: Tanque Verde Rd. Sun Tran, La Cholla Rd. Grant Rd. / Craycroft intersection Golf Links / Kolb intersection Sahuarita Rd. pedestrian underpass La Cholla Blvd. bridge at Rillito River Back cover: La Cholla Bridge and pedestrian/bike pathway 177 N. Church Ave., Suite 405 Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 770-9410 [tel] (520) 620-6981 [fax]