Arizona has an estimated $790 million in highway projects that could begin within 90 days of funding according to numbers from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and Stateline.org. Other estimates put that figure as high as $1 billion. [right, Arizona state highway system. Credit ADOT]
States are laying out options to fund as part of the proposed economic stimulus packages in Congress, with highway infrastructure being a major focus. The states identified 3,100 projects totaling $18 billion ready to go in the short term. Arizona has the 7th largest dollar value, with Texas having the most at $1.8 billion. Altogether, states are proposing $64 billion in highway projects over an 18-24 month period.
But state and local governments are arguing about whether it's more effective to funnel infrastructure funds through the states or give large amounts directly to local governments.