The next stage of a project to improve State Route 189, the 3.75-mile highway connecting the Mariposa Port of Entry with Interstate 19, begins with a public hearing Tuesday, Jan. 31, for the community to review and comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment.
Public input is essential to this assessment, which is part of the review process required by the federal government and details the need for the project, alternatives proposed including a no-build option, environmental impacts and recommendations.
The public hearing will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the Nogales High School cafeteria, 1905 N. Apache Blvd. A presentation at 5:45 p.m. will be followed by a formal comment period for all members of the public.
Other work proposed includes adding a raised median along SR 189 and improving intersections with Grand Avenue and Target Range Road.
A $25 million appropriation passed by the Arizona Legislature and signed by Governor Doug Ducey aimed at accelerating this project has made it possible for work to start in 2019, two years earlier than originally planned. In addition, $40 million in federal funds will go toward SR 189 improvements.
The Draft Environmental Assessment is available on ADOT’s website at azdot.gov/SR189DraftEA. Printed copies are available at Nogales City Hall, 777 N. Grand Ave., and the Nogales/Santa Cruz County Public Library, 518 N. Grand Ave.