The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has brought back the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) Exchange Program.
The program was established by the Legislature in 1997 but suspended in 2009 by ADOT due to insufficient State Highway Fund revenues. It has overseen 145 projects exceeding $90 million in value and lowers the cost and completion time of transportation projects for local governments.
For eligible local governments, ADOT will be able to “exchange State Highway Fund revenues for federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funds,” according to a news release. Participants will be able to take charge of their own projects with “fewer regulatory restrictions and requirements.”
Eligibility for the HURF program depends on having a maximum of 200,000 residents as well as meeting federal aid, efficiency, reliability and safety standards. Projects are vetted by the region’s council of governments or metropolitan planning organization and reviewed by ADOT with help from the Federal Highway Administration.
ADOT then will give 90 percent of the federal aid amount for approved projects through the State Highway Fund.