(Sedona, Arizona) - The City Council of Sedona met on July 11th to discuss the
projected costs of its Highway 179 enhancement initiatives in conjunction with
the Arizona Department of Transportation's (ADOT) widening plans.
The scope of the City's enhancements includes pedestrian
lighting, landscaping, sewer relocation, and placing much of the overhead wires
in an around Uptown Sedona underground.
Although the original cost projection was $9 million, the
new cost estimate could exceed $11 million. The City of Sedona plans to
fund the project through a debt issuance.
Current estimates are:
A representative from the electric power
company, APS, was present and informed the Council that the cost of
purchasing easements for the underground power lines from private
owners was Sedona's responsibility. The City Council was not
aware of this, and this cost remained undetermined.
The Council Members discussed whether they
should cut back on the enhancements to bring the budget within its
original $9 million estimate.
All members agreed that the overhead lines
crossing 89A (near the "Y" and Coldwell Banker) and running on both
sides of SR179 between 89A and Ranger, and a portion on Ranger,
should be put underground as well as from Schnebly Hill to Highland.
There was discussion, however, whether
overhead lines from Copper Cliffs to Red Hot Pottery and from the
Mobil Lodge to Arrow Road should be placed underground or whether
the Creek Walk should be scaled back instead.
Although some members favored undergrounding
all sections at the same time, the City Council resolved to defer
the decision about Mobil Lodge to Arrow Road until they could better
prioritize and discuss the issues.
Mayor Colquitt expressed her frustration at
the changing budget numbers which was shared by the other members.