Pothole problems end for one neighborhood
Reporter: Jessica Chapin
TUCSON (KGUN9- TV) - Pothole problems are coming to an end for one midtown neighborhood. City Crews repaired residential streets between Broadway Blvd. and Speedway Blvd, and Alvernon and Columbus on Monday.
"I'm so happy they're finally fixing them today," said 10-year resident Vesna Mitrovich, "There've been lots and lots of growing potholes."
While residents in the 2-square-mile section are satisfied, Ward Six council member Steve Kozachik says it's just a drop in the bucket compared to what should be done. The project was funded with $75 thousand leftover from his ward's budget last year, which they refused to roll over into the city's general fund.
Meanwhile, other roads are still tearing up tires as the city struggles with a lack of road repair money.
"Finally we're doing a little bit," said Kozachik, "It's not enough, we've got to do more."
Kozachik submitted several funding proposals to the City Manager Richard Miranda this past Friday. Miranda says those will be included in a presentation they will give at a city council meeting on April 24.
Some of Kozachik's ideas include:
- Refinancing Highway User Revenue Fund (HERF) debt to get $11 million.
- Discuss issuing a City Bond that would go before voters to fund road reconstruction.
- Re-allocate 20 percent of the existing RTA sales tax to road reconstruction for about $208 million over the next 20 years.
- Propose a 1/4-cent sales tax increase for $32 million annually for roads.
- Take more of a proposed $23 million from the county for road reconstruction based on the city's tax base.
City staff is currently working on a presentation for the April 24 study session.
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