Tucson RTA Money Fued To Take Center Stage Tuesday

Tucson RTA Money Fued To Take Center Stage Tuesday. The ongoing feud between the city of Tucson and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has been a point of contention for several years. As discussions around a potential new ½ cent sales tax intensify, this feud is heating up and is expected to take center stage in an upcoming meeting on Tuesday.

The RTA And Sales Tax Initiative

The RTA was established following voter approval of a ½-cent sales tax increase in 2006. This tax was designed to fund various transportation projects across the region, from new roadways to mass transit systems. Over the past two decades, the RTA has played a significant role in developing infrastructure, including new intersections, bus pullouts, and the modern streetcar.

Tucson Claims Of Being Shortchanged

Despite the broad regional benefits provided by the RTA, the city of Tucson claims it is being shortchanged in the allocation of funds. According to city officials, Tucson contributes approximately two-thirds of the funding to the RTA but receives only about half of that amount back for its projects. This discrepancy has fueled tensions between the city and the RTA, especially as discussions for renewing the sales tax arise.

Case In Point: The 1st Avenue Improvement Project

One example of this tension is the 1st Avenue improvement project, stretching from River to Grant. The negotiations for this project took two years, largely due to Tucson’s desire to downscope the project, a move that the RTA initially opposed. The extended negotiations underscore the friction between Tucson’s vision for its projects and the RTA’s broader regional approach.

The New Proposal On The Table

Recently, the RTA has proposed a new plan that is set to be discussed by the Tucson City Council. The proposal, which some believe is trending favorably towards Tucson, will require a deep dive during the fall season before any final decisions are made. Kevin Dahl, who represents Ward 3 in the city, has indicated that the proposal may be leaning towards benefiting Tucson but questions remain whether it will satisfy the city enough to support the RTA Next initiative.

The Future Of The RTA Next Sales Tax

The RTA Next is the future iteration of the half-cent sales tax that would fund transportation projects for the next 20 years. However, its implementation hinges on Tucson’s support. If Tucson backs the plan, it is likely to move forward; if the city opts out, the future of the tax becomes uncertain.

The city council members are divided on the issue, with concerns about the benefits for Tucson residents and the trustworthiness of the RTA’s management. Dahl, reflecting on these concerns, emphasized the need for the RTA to manage funds effectively and equitably, particularly considering Tucson’s unique needs compared to other regions like North Oro Valley.

Pavement Preservation: A Key Demand From Tucson

One of Tucson’s key demands in the negotiations is the inclusion of pavement preservation in the RTA’s projects. In response, the RTA has added a provision for pavement preservation, with a budget ranging from $20 million to $200 million, depending on tax revenue. This move is seen as an effort to bring Tucson on board with the proposal, but skepticism remains among city council members regarding the RTA’s ability to deliver on its promises.

The Trust Issue: A Major Stumbling Block

Despite the adjustments in the proposal, some council members, including Dahl, remain unconvinced of the RTA’s management capabilities. Dahl has expressed that while the proposal has shown some progress in aligning with Tucson’s needs, the management issues have not been adequately addressed. This lingering distrust could be a significant hurdle in gaining full support from Tucson’s leaders.

Conclusion

The Tucson RTA money feud is set to take a critical turn on Tuesday as the city council deliberates on the new proposal. With millions of dollars at stake and the future of regional transportation funding in the balance, the outcome of this meeting could have long-lasting implications for Tucson and the surrounding areas. The key questions remain: Will the city of Tucson find the proposal satisfactory enough to support RTA Next, and can the RTA manage the funds in a way that earns the trust of Tucson’s leaders? The answers to these questions will shape the future of transportation in the region for the next two decades.