External link: http://apps.azdot.gov/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/az716.pdf

Publication date: March 1, 2014

Capsule summary: This study evaluated Arizona DOT’s Planning Assistance for Rural Areas (PARA) program, a source of funding for multimodal transportation projects in the state.

Author(s): Wemple, E.; Wu, D.; Cambridge Systematics, Inc.

Publisher(s): Arizona Department of Transportation

Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
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Definitions: Passenger transportation services
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Definitions: The movement of people
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Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
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Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
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Definition: A group of regional governing bodies
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Definition: A large urban area
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Definition: A written or printed work.
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Description: In order to fund studies on future needs and prioritization strategies, the Arizona DOT Multimodal Planning Division created the Planning Assistance for Rural Areas (PARA) program. This study evaluates successes and areas of improvement encountered within the PARA program, in order to improve the project development process and ensure that the program meets stakeholder needs.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate ADOT’s PARA program. The study focused on whether the PARA program was serving its purpose, helping to meet agency goals, how it compared to similar programs in other states, and how it could be improved. In order to gain these insights, the research team developed a database for analyzing PARA data, conducted interviews and assessments with peer states, conducted in-state surveys and interviews with key stakeholders, and produced recommendations for program development.

Findings: Through a stakeholder assessment, this study identified several strengths, opportunities, and weaknesses of the PARA program. PARA establishes beneficial connections between the state and local jurisdictions, providing guidance and perspective – with focus on future needs and prioritization. However, the breadth of topics eligible for PARA funds could be expanded, as could the role of transit in PARA studies. Communication to local jurisdictions about the PARA application and study process could also be improved.

Recommendations: The research team recommends a series of near-term, mid-term, and long-term changes to the PARA program. Near-term developments encourage improved communication (within ADOT, between partner and peer agencies, and with the public) as well as addition of eligible topics such as studies that address safety, freight planning, needs assessment, public health, and transit. Midterm developments extend evaluation and improvement, and include education on the PARA program and PARA studies through workshops and the PARA Study Database. Long-term recommendations include expediting and evaluating the process, using findings to inform NEPA- and planning- related processes at other agencies, and conducting a peer review study.

Research Theme: Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit

Community Type: Rural

Transportation Mode: Personal, Transit

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: City, CoG, DOT, MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Evaluation, Evaluation and Assessment, Facility or Land Use, Forecasting, Planning Methods, Transportation Planning