Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority presented the 2015 Timothy M. Ahrens Partnering Award to Pima County on May 28.
Pima County received the award for the La Cholla Boulevard: Magee Road to Overton Road project, completed for $24.7 million, a $3.6 million reduction from the original budget.
The award was established in 2013 to recognize the spirit of collaboration and partnering as exemplified by the late Timothy M. Ahrens, who died on Oct. 23, 2013, after a brief illness. Mr. Ahrens was the RTA manager during development of the $2.1 billion, 20-year RTA plan. He managed the RTA’s 35-member citizens advisory committee and gave hundreds of presentations during the public outreach phase before the RTA plan was approved by Pima County voters on May 16, 2006.
Success of the project is demonstrated in the following areas: achieving a common goal, embracing regional stakeholders, resolving conflict, improving communication on the project with all audiences, incorporating team-building activities, delivery of a quality product, finding innovative funding solutions, and perpetuating the spirit of cooperation.
Partners who received recognition for making substantial contributions to planning, design and construction of the project include:
The La Cholla project is one of the major corridors of the 20-year RTA plan and is funded by the RTA half-cent excise tax, Pima County impact fees and regional funds (highway user revenue funds). The widening project includes: a bride over the Cañada del Oro wash, bike lanes and drainage improvements.