Southern Ute Indian Tribe

IACAP Key Issues

Key Issues

The following is a summary of key issues emerging at the October 2010 Stakeholder Meetings and in staff level discussions. This discussion focuses primarily on the issues, not the solutions, although only a fine line separates one from the other in some cases. Virtually all of the issues have interrelated components or causes. The IACAP will address these issues as appropriate as alternatives are developed to address the community's concerns.

Congestion at the SH 172/151 Intersection
This intersection has several layers of issues. First among these is the significant observed congestion, particularly at morning and evening peak traffic times. The lack of adequate gaps in the traffic flow leads to long waits for trucks and other vehicles attempting left turns from westbound SH 151 to southbound SH 172, and for southbound SH 172 to eastbound SH 151. The location is constrained by available right of way for turn lanes. If turn lanes, and/or a traffic signal are installed, several parking spaces would need to be eliminated. Other nearby parking may be available. The intersection is currently operating at Level of Service (LOS) D and is likely to worsen over time. LOS D is considered marginally acceptable on a scale of A to F, with A being the best conditions and F the worst. There is a division of local opinion about the efficacy or wisdom of signalizing the intersection.

A potential Southern Connector, especially for larger trucks, could relieve some of the congestion. The connector would extend from SH 172 on the south end of Ignacio east across the river to La Boca Road. The downtown intersection will need analysis to determine if it can function satisfactorily in various combinations of improvements, including restriping, signalization, and the alternative route. Associated with this problem location are currently unanswered questions that the IACAP process will attempt to answer, including: how much through traffic stops in the downtown area, what impact would a connector route have on local businesses, can suitable replacement parking be identified, what is the estimated cost of constructing a new route that includes a bridge over the Los Pinos River, and what is the availability of Tribal Trust lands for the route? The connector route is also linked to concerns with the transport of hazardous materials along the corridor and through the downtown area.

High Potential For Growth In The Area
The Tribe and the Town are poised for significant additional growth. The IACAP will help to address the potential new traffic over the long term. The Casino has yet to tap the full capabilities of its facilities and expects to bring even more people to the area, including to its conference facilities. The addition of the new Museum and Cultural Events Center will also contribute to making this a destination. The Tribe's Growth Fund is evaluating possible development adjacent to SH 172, and potential re-development at the existing Sky Ute Downs. The Town has complimentary development plans, including a downtown initiative and a large residential site on the West Mesa in partnership with the Growth Fund. Many employees commute to the area because there is a lack of affordable housing in the surrounding area which could be relieved by this residential development. The existing Tribal Campus area also will be partially redeveloped in coming years, requiring changes to internal circulation and access points.

Gas/Oil Field Development
There is a high probability of significant gas/oil field expansion to the east of Ignacio. The project team will use historic truck traffic growth volumes to determine future traffic impacts on the corridor resulting from planned new wells in that area. The Middle Mesa in New Mexico also contributes significant field worker and truck traffic which has no alternative except routing directly through Ignacio.

In a related issue, the transport of hazardous materials contributes to safety concerns. No route in the area is designated to carry hazardous materials, which allows those movements to occur on any route that is convenient (to the transporter). Designating SH 172 or CR 318 as a hazmat route would concentrate the traffic so that it could be better monitored, but may have the effect of adding more hazmat trucks to the corridor, rather than being dispersed over other roads. This issue is of concern to planners, but this plan will not address specific hazmat routing.

Schools
The school district and others have expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians and school buses, especially near the elementary school on SH 151 and for access to schools west of Goddard on Ignacio and Becker Streets. The district plans to move the elementary school to the West Mesa, but the timing of the move is not clear. If that property comes available, it could be useful to the community in a variety of capacities.

Other Key Intersections

Pedestrian Issues
There is a desire to provide safe and user friendly pedestrian facilities along SH 172 between the Museum/Casino complex and the Town of Ignacio. Other crosswalks should be designated along SH 172 at the Growth Fund site, other future commercial sites at Ute Rd., near the senior center, and to facilitate school access, as necessary to accommodate development when it occurs. Pedestrian connections to the Cedar Point and Ignacio Peak residential areas south of town should be explored.

Transit
SUCAP operates a regional transit service. The IACAP should discuss adequate/safe bus stops along the corridor as well as designated park and ride areas. The plan should be flexible enough to accommodate future transit needs in both the Town and tribal areas.

Multiple Partners and Decision Makers
The four partners have needs in common, as well as agency-specific needs. All partners will need to approve the IACAP through an intergovernmental agreement. Other stakeholders also have considerable influence and are being consulted and involved in the process. Key stakeholders include the Chamber of Commerce, the Growth Fund, the school district, emergency service providers, individual property owners, and tribe members.