SPR-696: Preliminary Study of Climate Adaptation for the Statewide ...

When designing new infrastructure, there will be a need to switch from designing with standardsdeveloped for historic climate trends to designing for future (and uncertain) climateprojections — transportation infrastructure is sufficiently long lived that it will not be prudent tobase plans on historic averages. Other possible changes to the design phase include the need for abroader systems approach and risk management procedures to incorporate climate change intodecision making and defining appropriate design characteristics. This long-range perspectiveneeds to be balanced with monitoring for near-term changes that may require more immediatedesign adjustments.In addition to the direct effects on transportation infrastructure and services, climate change willcatalyze changes in the environmental, demographic, and economic conditions within whichtransportation agencies conduct their work. In the long run, these broader changes may have verysignificant secondary impacts on the transportation sector that will need to be examined as partof the planning process. For example, changes in population centers induced by shifts in weatherconditions will affect travel demand. As regions of agricultural production shift, freight flowsmay likewise change.The next step for ADOT in considering climate adaptation is to develop a framework, process,and set of goals and objectives for consideration of these issues within the current organizationalframework. There also is a role for coordination beyond the internal ADOT agency. For instance,the linkages made with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and local universities,such as ASU and University of Arizona, as well as regional MPOs and COGs, will be importantin moving the dialogue further.ESTABLISH AN ENGAGED PROJECT TEAMTo build success and create champions for climate adaptation efforts within ADOT, it would beimportant to assemble an internal team to guide the day-to-day progress and focus on thechallenges of additional research, targeted implementation, or continuous coordination andengagement throughout the agency. The TAC members from the research effort could beretained to continue the efforts initiated from this project.Other possible champions to engage for further research study could include the followingADOT staff with responsibilities that will be well aligned to implement any recommendationsfrom this study and future climate adaptation planning efforts: State Engineer State Maintenance Engineer Director, Office of Environmental Services Emergency Response Supervisor Media Relations Officer Director, Budget, Strategic Planning and Research Champion and Sponsor of Preliminary Study of Climate Adaptation StudyThe lead champion or champions for the climate adaptation efforts should include a dedicatedstaff of internal experts, who will be involved in implementing projects or initiatives developedthrough the research or planning.52