Pima County lands $20 million fed grant to improve West Valencia Road

PIMA COUNTY, June 30, 2023 – The United States Department of Transportation on June 22 announced Pima County will receive $20 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Act to add travel lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes, and other transit enhancements to a 1.3-mile segment of West Valencia Road.

Once completed, Valencia between Mission Road and Camino de la Tierra will have increased lanes, better traffic flow, safer bike lanes, and better public transportation access and amenities.

It also will improve the connection between metro Tucson and underserved communities, including the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the Tohono O’odham Nation San Xavier District, as well as newly developed residential areas of unincorporated Pima County.

“This investment in a historically underserved area will improve road safety and access to resources that will benefit the entire west Valencia Road corridor,” said Adelita S. Grijalva, Pima County Board of Supervisors chair. “There is more to gain from road improvement than adding lanes, which is why I fully support Pima County’s commitment to Complete Streets.”

Complete Streets is a design concept that improves access for all roadway users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.

Members of Arizona’s Congressional delegation Friday notified the County of its successful application, and Rep. Raul Grijalva sent a news release late on June 23 announcing the award. Formal notification by USDOT is expected by June 28.