Citizens' Alternate Route Task Force Completes Work

        On September 25, 1997, Yavapai County received the final position statement from the Citizens' Alternate Route Task Force regarding resolution of the long-standing Red Rock Crossing bridge issue. This diverse group of local citizens, representing leading civic organizations and the general public, held weekly meetings between April 28, 1997 and August 12, 1997. Their mission was to identify issues involving the need and implications of an alternate route in the Upper Verde Valley between S.R. 179 and S.R. 89A.

        The Task Force reviewed numerous past studies and received public input and advice from experts on transportation, wildlife, the environment and National Forest issues.

        The Task Force concluded there is a need for an alternate route, and because traffic congestion occurs, for the most part, in the city of Sedona and Coconino County, any road building project should receive multi-jurisdictional funding. It feels the NEPA process should be resumed immediately and take into account the uniqueness of Sedona, citizen safety, quality of life and noise/air pollution as particular concerns. [D2] Red Rock Crossing and [E1/E2] West Airport Mesa, along with [E3] and [E4], should be considered in the NEPA process.

        The Task Force believes future planning for the area should be a cooperative effort of local and state jurisdictions and should incorporate alternative forms of transportation. It also thinks future roadways should be designed as parkways, with emphasis on reforestation and lower speed limits.

        Following the conclusion of the Task Force's work, Yavapai County announced its primary goal is to alleviate traffic congestion on S. R. 179. It intends to create a safe, limited access transportation route that will have the least possible impact on citizens' quality of life.

        On October 27, 1997, Yavapai County intends to formally ask the U. S. Forest Service to resume the NEPA process. It anticipates recommending the [D2] and [E1] routes as the primary routes for consideration. The [E2] leg of the [E1/E2] Route will not be recommended for inclusion in the NEPA process by Yavapai County. Routes [E3] and [E4], which have different starting points along S.R. 179, will also be evaluated.

        Copies of the final position statement have been sent to the Forest Service, Governor's Office, Arizona Department of Transportation, Yavapai and Coconino County Supervisors, and the City of Sedona.

        The final position statement, as well as the entire report from the Citizens' Alternate Route Task Force, will be available for review at the Sedona, Cottonwood and Prescott Public Libraries as well as the Village of Oak Creek Clubhouse.

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