3. ORD ROW Acceptance: I-8 Frontage Rd Gila Ridge Rd.

ORDINANCE NO. O2026-022

AN ORDINANACE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YUMA, ARIZONA, ACCEPTING OWNERSHIP, JURISDICTION, AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE EASTBOUND INTERSTATE 8 FRONTAGE ROAD (GILA RIDGE ROAD), FROM AVENUE 4E TO ARABY ROAD, AS ABANDONED BY THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION	

WHEREAS, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), with approval of the State Transportation Board, will transfer ownership, jurisdiction, and maintenance responsibilities for the eastbound Interstate 8 frontage road (Gila Ridge Road), approximately 2.5 miles as depicted in Exhibit B of IGA 24-0009698-I; and,

WHEREAS, following such action, the City of Yuma (City) will accept ownership, jurisdiction, and maintenance responsibilities of the abandoned roadway segment, as stated in Section II(3)(f) of the Intergovernmental Agreement;	and,

WHEREAS, the subject roadway lies within the within the jurisdictional planning area of the City, and its continued use and maintenance are essential to the public safety, traffic circulation, and welfare of the community;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Yuma as follows:
	
SECTION 1: The City accepts ownership, jurisdiction, and maintenance responsibilities for the eastbound Interstate 8 frontage road (Gila Ridge Road), from Avenue 4E to Araby Road as described and depicted in Exhibit B of IGA 24-0009698-I. This acceptance shall take effect upon ADOT’s formal abandonment and transfer action per State Transportation Board approval. The City further accepts and authorizes execution of Highway Easement Deed HED SW 007, establishing federal right‑of‑way necessary for this roadway segment in accordance with federal requirements.

SECTION 2: The City Administrator is authorized and directed to take all actions necessary to finalize the right-of-way transfer, including: recording and required documentation, plats, or notices; coordinating with ADOT regarding the abandonment descriptions and mapping; updating City inventory, GIS, and maintenance schedules accordingly. This authorization includes executing all documents associated with Highway Easement Deed HED SW 007 and performing all actions required to comply with the terms and conditions of the easement, including coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and the Bureau of Land Management.

SECTION 3: The City Council finds and declares that accepting maintenance and jurisdiction of the roadway serves a public purpose by ensuring safe transportation operations, improving multimodal connectivity, and supporting long-term roadway management.

	Adopted this ___________ day of __________________, 2026.
												APPROVED:
									_______________________________
	Douglas J. Nicholls
	Mayor		
	
	ATTESTED:				APPROVED AS TO FORM

	________________________		_______________________________
	Janet L. Pierson				Richard W. Files
	City Clerk 					City Attorney