Sierra Vista Metropolitan Planning Organization

Each year, the SVMPO reviews the new Census data releases about population changes in the region.   Since last year, the SVMPO region has lost population, become slightly older, seen increases of those with mobility disabilities, and identified 5.4 percent of households with no vehicles available as a transportation option.  This APPROVED FY24 Title VI Report was adopted by the SVMPO Board on April 26, 2023.

Every two years the SVMPO works with their funding partners at FHWA, FTA and ADOT to develop a work program for planning activities for the next two fiscal years.  The SVMPO Work Program and Budget is a roadmap of the SVMPO Director to contract for professional services, to stage up the next study or project, to phase activities towards multi-year goals and to ensure that mandated timelines for regional plan updates are met. This update will be finalized for SVMPO Board consideration at their April 26, 2023 meeting.  Adoption is required by the end of June 2023 and takes effect July 1, 2023.

The SVMPO will host a Regional Transportation Open House on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sierra Vista Public Library conference room.  This is an opportunity to talk with SVMPO staff about regional plans, studies and projects.  The draft five-year 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program will be available for review and comment at this Open House.   The Library is located at 2600 E. Tacoma St., east of Coronado Dr. in the City of Sierra Vista.

Every year the SVMPO prepares a five-year programming of future projects for the region.  The 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program, known as the TIP,  is now available for review and comment.  It does not include any new construction projects but does include Design phases for three regionally significant roadways in need of pavement rehabilitation or improvements.  It also includes transit projects and funding for transit operations.  The SVMPO Board will consider this five-year project programming at their regular meeting on June 22^nd at 2:30 p.m. For a copy of the drafted TIP see the Regional Transportation Planning link on this website.   Comments may be submitted using our Contact Us link.

The SVMPO is pleased to partner with the City of Sierra Vista and Cochise County to conduct a Joint Study of the Theater Drive Corridor and the surrounding neighborhoods.  This area has a large number of people living, working, attending schools and visiting the Len Roberts Park.  Many people walk and ride their bicycles in this area, and improvements to travel options will be considered.  This Study will also assess drainage issues, inventory existing utilities and consider phased recommendations for multi-modal transportation projects.  For more information see the Active Project links on this website: Theater Drive Inventory & Roadway Feasibility Assessment Project.

Arizona is at the forefront of addressing the conflicts between vehicles and wildlife in the Nation.  A partnership between 0ur Arizona Dept. of Transportation and Arizona Game & Fish Dept. has resulted in roadway construction strategies that have reduced the cost of fatal and sever injuries in our State caused by collisions with wildlife.  The new Federal Transportation Bill provides additional funding to States and Regions, like the SVMPO, to consider wildlife crossings in our roadway designs.

The Town of Huachuca City, in partnership with the SVMPO, undertook the first complete Inventory and Assessment of the roadway system in the small 2.7 square mile Town. This Study completed the Town’s 2017 General Plan goal of developing a Transportation Circulation Plan that considered multi-modal options, scenic routes and impacts of storm drainage. You may learn more about the Huachuca City’s existing transportation system, recommendations for improvements and prioritized projects in the 2021-2027 Huachuca City Transportation System Plan.

Working closely with the City of Sierra Vista, the Vista Transit Short-Range Transit Plan was completed and adopted late this summer. This five-year plan sets out recommendations for improvements for the transit system and investments of Federal Transit Administration funds for the next five-years. Two of the recommendations: improved fare boxes and an update of the Public Transportation (Transit) Agency Safety Plan are being undertaken in 2021. You may view the 2021-2026 Short-Range Transit Plan here.

A review of existing transportation needs, identification of potential projects and an investment strategy for available transportation funds was completed for the Sierra Vista MPO region late this summer. This plan looks out to the horizon year of 2050 with prioritized projects identified for both near and long-term needs. Two high priority projects are being presented to the Arizona State Legislature for potential funding in 2022. The 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan will guide future investments in transportation improvements.

Final Draft Plans for both of the SVMPO regional planning efforts: the Short-Range Transit Plan and the Long-Range Transportation Plan,  have been posted for review and comment!  Both plans, which have been underway and draft chapters posted on this website over the last year,  will be considered by the SVMPO Board for adoption at their regular meeting on August 25^th. Area residents and business owners are encouraged to submit their questions, concerns and ideas on the SVMPO Contact Us link.