Public input needed for Yuma transportation plans
Manoah Tuiasosopo
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma and the Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization (YMPO) are asking for the public’s input for their latest proposed transportation plans.
They say these proposed plans will improve traffic and safety through roadway and intersection upgrades for the long, mid, and short term.
The plans include enhancements to biking, pedestrian, and public transit networks.
Fernando Villegas, the Senior Transportation Planner for YMPO says “Through the list, you’re going to see new roads. Existing roads that have two lanes that are going to be converted to four lanes, for example,”.
As our region continues to grow, YMPO is planning ahead.
Its Long-Range Transportation Plan spans the next 25 years and covers all of Yuma County.
But the transportation plans aren’t solely about getting places quicker and easier, they’re about safety as well.
“When we know that we are having accidents or fatalities in certain areas, those projects are also listed inside the transportation programs,” Villegas shared.
YMPO’s Executive Director Crystal Figueroa says improving roadways and multimodal transportation aren’t the only challenges.
“Funding is definitely a challenge in the transportation network across the state and we need to work with what we have. The community is active in seeking grants as well as utilizing funding that we get by prioritizing projects in our region,” says Figueroa.
She shares why the public’s input is crucial to shaping the future of the area.
“You are the people who live, work, and commute in the yuma region. It’s critical to get that feedback to make sure that the transportation recommendations align with the public’s priorities,” she explains.
The last day to review these plans before their final draft is July 12.
To explore the proposals and share your feedback, click here.