The Pima Association of Governments and Regional Transportation Authority presented the 2017 Timothy M. Ahrens Partnering Award to the Arizona Department of Transportation on Thursday.
ADOT received the award for the State Route 77 Wildfire Crossing Project, completed in 2016. The project was part of a wildlife linkages project funded of the RTA's planned transportation safety element.
The award, established in 2013, recognizes the spirit of collaboration as exemplified by Timothy M. Ahrens, the RTA manager during development of the $2.1 billion, 20-year RTA plan.
Success of the project is measured by the ability to meet a common goal, embracing regional stakeholders, resolving conflict, improving communication on the project with all audiences, incorporating team-building activities, and more.
Partners involved in the project include Pima County, the Town of Oro Valley, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Arizona State Land Department, the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Granite Construction Inc. and AECOM.
Pima County Environmental Planning Manager, Sherry Ruther said in the application, "Relationships and enduring partnerships this project forged were undeniably an essential part of why this project is a success.”
