Local leaders back metric sign decision

Local officials support the Arizona Department of Transportation’s decision to postpone the controversial Interstate 19 sign-replacement project, a decision that sends the stimulus dollars to another part of the county.

“I’m pleased that ADOT hasn’t rushed into this decision and is analyzing what residents and businesses are saying,” said Stan Riddle, president of the Green Valley Community Coordinating Council. “I’m sure it is a very difficult decision.”

Sahuarita Mayor Lynne Skelton, who supported the proposed change from kilometers to miles on the signs, says, “I’m disappointed that our local area will not see any of the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funding on I-19, however pleased that it is being put to use on I-10 and SR 83.”

Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll, a Republican whose District 4 includes Green Valley, said it is better to put the funding to use on Interstate 10 repairs, said Tom Ward, Carroll’s Green Valley-area manager.

ADOT hired a consultant in January to take comments from residents and businesses on the metric signs. Suggestions tossed around before then included replacing the signs, keeping them as-is, or including both kilometers and miles on them.

The kilometer signs date from 1979, when the 63-mile highway when federal officials considered changing U.S. measurement standards to the metric (kilometer) system. The Federal Highway Administration designated I-19 for a test of metric-system use on roadways.

Local merchants and business organizations have voiced concerns about the potential cost to change their signage with directions and printed business supplies that reference their locations by kilometers, not miles.

Others support keeping the distinctive metric signage on I-19 as part of the local heritage.

ADOT announced Wednesday that it will use the $1.5 million designated for the I-19 sign replacement project for a pavement preservation project on I-10 from Houghton Road to the Mountain View traffic interchange at State Route 83.

ADOT is continuing to receive and evaluate information from residents and businesses on sign replacement.

When ADOT makes a decision to replace the signs on this corridor, it will pursue federal funding for the project, according to the agency.

“ADOT has received such a wide range of opinions regarding kilometers versus miles, we thought it best to utilize the ARRA funding on a project that is ready to go and not risk Arizona losing any federal dollars,” said Transportation Director John Halikowski. “ADOT will continue working with the residents, businesses and stakeholders regarding the I-19 sign replacement project.”

ADOT spokeswoman Linda Ritter declined Thursday to released comments from residents or businesses before the entire report is finished.

The project involves replacing about 400 signs along I-19 from Tucson to Nogales, from kilometers to miles. The project was to be paid for with ARRA funding, and the deadline for using this money was March 2.

kwalenga@gvnews.com | 547-9739