The Arizona Department of Transportation has joined forces with the Federal Highway Administration to develop a plan to move trucks and other vehicles more quickly from Nogales, AZ to the Hoover Dam. Their solution is the construction of a freeway - I-11 running through Avra Valley, a rural area west of Tucson, an area well loved for it's EPIC sunset views. Gates Pass Anyone? 

We need to let them know this is not what is best for Tucson. 

Our most effective manner of communication is to email              :                               I-11ADOTStudy@hdrinc.com 

Bilingual Phone Number: 1-844-544-8049

If you need some inspiration: 

For the reasons listed below, there is great  opposition to their plan. The comment period is through May 31, 2019. 

Anyone, resident, snowbirds, visitors, anyone who has ever been to Kitt's Peak, hiked Tucson Mountain Park, visited the Sonora Desert Museum, hiked Saguaro National park West, Ironwood National Monument or enjoyed a sunset from Gates Pass, needs to be made aware of this plan and participate in the efforts to make sure their voice is heard. 

13 Reasons Why 1-11 Should NOT go through Avra Valley:

1. Kitt Peak will be adversely affected by light pollution - Telescopes will likely be rendered useless. 

2. The View from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will be marred by a freeway and the peace will shattered by the noise of trucks barrelling by 24/7. Listed as the 10th private attraction in the state, this world renowned local treasure boasted 377,000 visitors in 2017 and has a significant economic impact. 

3. The 3rd most visited National Park in the state (behind the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest), Saguaro National Park drew 820,000 visitors in 2016. In March 2019, the store at SNP West sold more items than any other park in Arizona! The noise pollution will adversely affect the ambience of the park, the pollution will put precious petroglyphs at risk, not to mention harming the iconic saguaro, and the view from many park locations will be marred - the visitor experience will deteriorate and the result is fewer folks will stop by. 

4. Ironwood National Monument will feel the effects of air pollution, putting cultural treasures at risk along with it's namesake tree, the noise of 1,000s of trucks and cars traveling by will destroy the peace, drowning out  bird calls and the sound of the wind through the trees. 

5. Habitat will be disturbed for plants and animals that will not be able to withstand the invasion. The desert is very fragile and there are many species that were listed in the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan as "Priority Vulnerable Species" that won't survive. 

6. Wildlife Corridors for big horn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes and other critters will be disrupted, affecting their survival.

7. AZ is already at the bottom of the list in terms of receiving water from the Colorado River so we need to hang on to what we have. Imagine the devastation that will occur by cutting off washes, the pollution of groundwater and the CAP discharge pongs (Tucson's source of water), and the demand on local wells by construction, subsequent traffic and the businesses that will spring up along the route. 

8. It is cheaper to use existing infrastructure (expand I-10) rather than build new in Avra Valley . Estimates indicated that the Avra Valley options adds over $2B to the cost of construction rather than the alternative.

9. By-passing Tucson will have economic consequences for many businesses including, at a minimum, those that provide food, fast and overnight accommodations.

10. Many homes and a lot of property will be taken by imminent domain with no guarantee that the owners will receive a fair price. Property values/taxes have been dropping, possibly in anticipation of possible buy-outs.

11. Avra Valley is known as a Valley Fever hot spot. Construction of any kind stirs up the spores in the soil, which are breathed in by people, pets and wild animals. The incidence of this severe respiratory disease could reach epic proportions. 

12. The quality of life for the folks who chose to live in Avra Valley will be gone forever (views including the BEST sunset anywhere; the peace and quiet; birds, bunnies, squirrels and all of the other critters; unique plants; affordable housing; large lots; ability to own and care for farm animals not allowed in town, including some amazing rescue organizations...) all will be impacted.

13. Honestly, it's personal. My home and that of 41 others in my community (of 59) will be bought out and leveled. For those left, they will now have the privilege of losing not only their quality of life but also the value of their homes as. As many of us contemplate retirement and whatever time we have left, we are now burdened with the prospect of one of our greatest assets being completely devalued.  As any financial planner will tell you, this is a very big loss and one that some will never recover from. 

All this for a freeway that does not serve the community of Tucson. 

*text prepared by Barbara Brown 4/10/2019