By Brad Anderson
We see it and we live it. The population of the greater Vail area is growing every day, which creates opportunities and challenges for all of us. There are several issues of major importance facing our community. These include:
Transportation
Water
Internet access
Cell phone service
Growth and Land conversion
Retail, Commercial and Industrial Development
In general, transportation challenges are coming to the forefront. For example, Colossal Cave Road is already extremely congested at times. The intersections of Camino Loma Alta and Old Spanish Trail, Camino Loma Alta and Colossal Cave Road, and Valencia and Old Spanish Trail are all going to need new traffic control measures. The traffic along Colossal Cave Road from Acacia Elementary School to Old Vail Middle School can be dreadful during school drop-off/pick-up times or whenever a train (or two) are moving through. There are numerous additional access issues which need attention as well. Not only are there convenience concerns, but also safety and accessibility concerns. As our community grows, the challenges are going to increase. How are going to deal with these issues?
It has been said many times, “If you’re not at the table – you are on the menu”. There is no doubt, Vail needs to be “at the table.” Ultimately, there are two entities of jurisdiction over our roads. First is Pima County. The Vail area is fortunate in the fact we have a strong advocate who serves as District 4 Supervisor. Steve Christy is committed to “fixing our roads.” He has a passion for the area and is doing all he can to place the community as a high priority. Unfortunately, he has only one of five votes and there is not enough money to make immediate repairs throughout the county. The encouraging part is that over time, the county should have additional funds which should help.
The second jurisdiction is the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). RTA was state established in 2004 and is responsible to administer the regional transportation plan. It is managed by the Pima Association of Governments (PAG). The improvements to Houghton Road are an example of their work. Since PAG is made up of representatives from the 5 incorporated communities (Tucson, Sahuarita, Marana, Oro Valley and South Tucson), Pima County, the 2 Tribal Nations and Arizona State Transportation Board, Vail does not have a direct vote. We have some great individuals who serve on advisory committees doing everything they can to stand for and represent our area. They attend meetings, vocalize our issues and concerns, disseminate information back to the community and ask for input. This community would have many more problems if it were not for the commitments of these individuals. The problem is, they do not have a vote when it comes down to decision making time.
Where does that leave the Vail community? Who is advocating for us? The Vail Chamber of Commerce is actively working with other stakeholders to express our concern. The South East Regional Council (SERC) hosts quarterly meetings to allow community and agency officials to talk directly with each other.
Bottom line is – to make a difference – we all need to be involved.
Brad Anderson grew up on a family farm in northern Colorado and from Colorado State University. He joined the Greater Vail area Chamber of Commerce when he moved to southern Arizona as an Edward Jones Financial Advisor in Vail.
