by Shirley Scott, City of Tucson Ward 4 Council Member.
Joining Home Goods and the Target fulfillment center, Amazon has chosen a home in South East Tucson with plans to hire more than 1,500 full-time employees. Luring Amazon to the City of Tucson began 11 months ago, which has drawn significant attention to Tucson from logistics centers around the world. Amazon will have a $600 million economic impact added to our regional economy over the next five years. This project illustrates the power of collaboration in achieving economic development success. Project partners include Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, City of Tucson and Tucson Electric Power.
Amazon selected the Kolb location at the Port of Tucson for several reasons, including the rail line, the proximity to the airport and I-10 and I-19. They were keenly aware that the “Valencia: Wilmot to Kolb” corridor improvements were to begin the second phase of construction in July 2018. The city continues to work closely with Amazon to ensure the two construction projects have the least impact on the community as possible. I understand the scope of the Valencia road project combined with substantial investment from the RTA, Pima County, City of Tucson, and Mattamy Homes into road projects along Houghton Road have caused residents to have traffic delays and find alternate routes. We thank you for your patience during this next year of construction.
It has come to my attention that some constituents think the road projects are because of Amazon and that is untrue. The Valencia: Wilmot to Kolb corridor improvement project was approved by Pima County voters in May 2006 as part of the 20-year RTA plan. Pima County conducted the initial planning work on the project and turned the project over to the RTA in December 2012. Over 10 public meetings have been held since February 2012 allowing the community to be engaged in the project and in 2014 the intersection and road alignment was approved by the RTA Board with plans for construction in the summer of 2018. Project construction is estimated to last approximately 12 months.
If you would like to be added to the Valencia/Kolb contact list, please email your contact information to info@rtamobility.com
