2 Min. State DOT Update: Arizona

In a new Two Minute State DOT Update video, Arizona Department of Transportation Director John Halikowski explains why he is among a growing number of state officials seeking to amend a 1956 federal law that bans the commercialization of public rest areas. He says the law does not give states the flexibility needed to adequately fund rest areas. In 2009, Arizona closed 13 rest areas due to budget cuts and substantial costs associated with emergency snow removal following harsh winter storms. Five of the closed rest areas were recently reopened, but Halikowski says the funding of rest area operations requires long-term solutions. According to Halikowski it costs the state on average, more than $300,000 a year to operate a rest area, including repairs to aging water, sewer and electrical systems. Halikowski says commercialization would be beneficial to states, as well as travelers.