Transportation

Electric Vehicle charging

With more and more interest in green initiatives, the electric vehicle market is on the rise. Just ten years ago there were only a few thousand electric cars on the road. Between 2018 and 2020 there were more than 315,000 vehicles sold each year. Due to the recent increase in popularity, several next-generation businesses are landing in Arizona because of the opportunities it offers both domestic and international businesses.   

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. is one of Arizona’s leading government relations firms. We ensure your voice is heard by key policymakers from across the state. Read our article below to learn more about the growth of electric vehicles and the Arizona Innovation Corridor. 

Why Electric Is Gaining Interest

The electric vehicle market is expected to reach a value of $725.14 billion by 2026. Interest in these vehicles is on the rise after continuous industry growth worldwide because of the positive impact on the environment, as well as the lower long-term costs for fuel and maintenance. The popularity of electric vehicles also has a direct relationship with their accessibility. While electric vehicles were once only luxury cars, they can now be found across a wide range of prices and brands.

Government initiatives are also escalating the popularity of electric vehicles. A $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill passed Congress covering a wide range of transportation projects, including improvements to the U.S. electrical grid. President Joe Biden said this money would be used to build the first-ever national network of charging stations with over 500,000 stations across the country. More chargers should help increase the use of electric vehicles. A separate bill that includes higher tax credits, up to $12,500 for buying an electric car, still sits in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Arizona Innovation Corridor 

Pinal County, between Phoenix and Tucson, is becoming the home of several green energy development projects. The strategic area that these facilities are located in is being referred to as the Arizona Innovation Corridor. Lucid Motors recently opened the initial phase of the state’s first electric vehicle factory. They will be producing Lucid Air, a luxury electric sedan. Lucid Motors invested $700 million in this project and will create nearly 5,000 jobs to have this car rolling off the assembly line by the end of the year. 

Nikola is another electric vehicle company taking up residence in the Arizona Innovation Corridor. They are opening a 1 million square-foot plant to manufacture various zero-emission industrial trucks. Once the plant is fully running it should produce about 35,000 units each year. 

Why Businesses Grow in Arizona

Nikola spent 18-months searching for a place to call home, and Lucid looked at more than 60 locations across 13 states before deciding on Arizona. So why are these growing businesses locating in Arizona’s Innovation and Technology Corridor? 

 

    • Ease of access to transportation:  Arizona’s Innovation and Technology Corridor is near Interstate 10, Interstate 8, and Union Pacific Railroad, connecting them to numerous major markets. It is also a short drive from several international airports.
    • Skilled labor force:  Arizona’s population is constantly growing which provides the skilled labor needed to run these types of facilities. 
  • Unbeatable weather: Hundreds of people move to Arizona each day for the incredible climate. The state’s year-round sunshine is also conducive to working with renewable energy.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. are Advocates for Better Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

When you partner with a government relations firm like Dorn Policy Group, Inc., you’re not just getting our support. You gain an invaluable partner that advocates for your success. With nearly 60 years of combined experience, we’re experts in obtaining the results you need for success. Contact us today to learn more about our services and what we can do for you. 

Traffic Cone in Street at Broadway Curve Widening

Maricopa County is in the midst of its largest urban freeway reconstruction project. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is reconstructing Interstate 10 (I-10) between Loop 202 and Interstate 17 (I-17), transforming over 11 miles of interstate. This project includes several improvements that will enhance safety, reduce travel time, ease access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and support the local economies, but Phoenix drivers can expect changes to freeway accessibility as construction begins.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. is one of Arizona’s top public affairs firms. We are advocacy professionals who strive to obtain the results our clients want. ADOT is one of many state agencies we have extensive knowledge of and are proud to partner with on a number of projects. Read our blog post below and learn what the I-10 Broadway Curve widening project means for transportation in the Phoenix metropolitan area. 

Why ADOT is Prioritizing the Broadway Curve Widening

These improvements have been underway since early 2019 when ADOT began an environmental assessment of the area. However, the project recently achieved a major milestone, as ADOT issued a formal notice to begin construction. ADOT Director John Halikowski said, “delivering this project after years of study and careful consideration of public input demonstrates ADOT’s commitment to providing the safest, most reliable transportation system in the nation.” 

ADOT believes these improvements will benefit everyone who relies on the highway system. Millions of people who live in, work in, and visit Arizona every year could see a better flow of traffic and less congestion in transportation routes. These improvements also support Arizona’s global trade market efforts, as I-10 is a key commerce corridor.

The Infrastructure of the Broadway Curve Widening Project

Over 300,000 vehicles travel through the Broadway Curve on a daily basis, and traffic is anticipated to increase as the Phoenix metropolitan area continues to grow. The project will support traffic flow by addressing key improvements, such as:

  • Adding lanes to achieve six general-purpose lanes and two HOV lanes from 24th Street to US 60 Superstition Freeway. 
  • Connect the main travel lanes of the highway to frontage roads or entrance ramps between Baseline Road and 40th Street, with a collector-distributor road system, to separate local traffic from through traffic on I-10.
  • Creating a fourth general-purpose lane on I-10 from US 60 to Ray Road
  • Improving I-10 connections at SR 143, Broadway Road, and US 60 for better traffic flow and safety.
  • Replacing ramps and bridges at SR 143 and US 60 interchanges.
  • Adding two bridges over I-10 between Baseline Road and Broadway Road for pedestrians and bicyclists.
  • Improving the Sun Circle Trail crossing at Guadalupe Road.

What Arizonans Can Expect From the Broadway Curve Widening Project

As work on these various projects continues, Arizonans can expect to see construction activity to have some impact on travel. Construction will continue through 2024 in various areas. 

Arizonans can get updates and information about the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project through The Curve mobile app. Through this app, ADOT plans to update drivers in the project area about closures and restrictions, real-time traffic information, detour routes, and more.

Dorn Policy Group is a Proud Arizona Government Relations Firm

Dorn Policy Group was founded in 2000 on the belief that integrity, tenacity, and client results should be the cornerstones of public affairs. We work with all levels and departments of government to ensure the demands of our community and clients are met. Contact us today and learn how we can help you enhance your government relations.  

 

Our team has been working with a number of organizations and lawmakers on issues that impact our local communities. One proposal that we have been working closely on is House Bill 2262. This bill would bring a retro look to modern license plates, and provide new design options for motorists. Additionally, the new technology will enhance license plate visibility and reduce Arizona’s crime.

Background to House Bill 2262

According to the National Sheriffs’ Association, motor vehicles are involved in 70% of serious crimes in the U.S. It is not uncommon for suspects to use their car in criminal activity, and sometimes the only way to identify criminals is by their license plate. However, license plates are not always legible and law enforcement officers have a much more difficult time finding the suspect. While many use automated license plate readers, the technology can have trouble detecting older license plates. 

What the Bill Hopes to Accomplish

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. and other stakeholders are advocating for HB 2262 to protect and benefit law enforcement efficiency. The importance of license plate legibility cannot be overstated. It provides law enforcement and good samaritans with the ability to quickly read a license plate after a crime is committed, which often impacts how quickly Arizona crimes are solved. That is why we would like to introduce new legacy license plates for vehicles from 1973 to 1996

The designs would resemble plates that were previously used in the State:

  • Copper background with green lettering per the appearance of plates issued from 1973 to 1980.
  • Maroon background with white lettering per the appearance of plates issued from 1980 to 1996.

House Bill 2262 would bring a retro look to modern license plates and allow consumers to choose one or more designs. These plates would not only attract and retain collector car hobbyists, but provide stronger visibility for other drivers and law enforcement. We expect these new plates would be an excellent solution to increasing public safety and reducing crime.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. Will Continue to Fight For House Bill 2262

We believe House Bill 2262 will have a significant impact on Arizona communities statewide. As one of the top Arizona lobbyists, we strive to develop a strategy to ensure policies like these are seen by lawmakers. We believe in the work we do and with our assistance, your voice will be heard by those who matter. Contact us today to learn more about House Bill 2262, or if you would like assistance in reaching local lawmakers.

The most important component of any railroad is its infrastructure. The term means the combination of elements that make up the rail’s right-of-way (bridges, tracks, tunnels, ties, etc.) and equipment (signs, mileposts, switches, etc.). Rail Infrastructure is vital for our economy, and it is important to have a lobbying firm in place to advocate for and against policies that will impact its efficiency.

A couple of months ago, Senators John Thune (South Dakota) and Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire) introduced the Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act, which aims to improve on the existing Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan program.

What Does The RRIF (Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act) Mean for Rail Infrastructure?

The Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act seeks to improve the RRIF program through three objectives

  1. Half of the funding will be dedicated to short line railroads and the other half will be for passenger rail projects
  2. Streamline the application process by expediting credit review processes for loans and requiring the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to update applicants on the status of their application
  3. Become more flexible in regards to longer loan terms for certain rail projects and to modify how USDOT evaluates collateral and creditworthiness

How This Impacts Rail Infrastructure

The current RRIF program was launched over 20 years ago and has since only approved one short line loan due to its expense and uncertainty. The new bill is meant to provide stable financing for small railroads for infrastructure investment when they often cannot afford to apply for RRIF. Senator John Thune recognizes the bill’s impact, “This legislation makes necessary updates to RRIF so that short lines are better able to use the program as originally intended.”

In response to the new bill, the American Short Line Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has stated, “The RRIF loan program has long been a promising but underutilized and frequently frustrating program.” In addition, the association is on board with the revisions to make the program a more attractive option for long-term financing.

Let Dorn Policy Group Help With Your Rail Infrastructure Concerns

While transportation has evolved since its inception, the rail system has been an integral part of the U.S. economy for over 200 years. As one of Arizona’s top lobbying firms, we are happy to work with railroad companies to make sure their voices are heard by the policymakers that matter. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you!

 

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