Rotorua Eastern Arterial – investigation funding

Applicant

NZ Transport Agency

Purpose

To seek the Board's approval for funding the investigation of the NZTA’s Rotorua Eastern Arterial project in the Bay of Plenty region.

Date of decision

17 December 2009

Resolutions

The NZ Transport Agency Board:

• a. approves funding for the investigation of the NZ Transport Agency's (NZTA's) Rotorua Eastern Arterial project at an estimated cost of $1.50 million and a funding assistance rate of 100% (NZTA's share $1.50 million) from C funds, subject to, as conditions subsequent:
  • i. a hold point at macroscope to enable the NZTA Board to consider and confirm the preferred option for the project; and
  • ii. Rotorua District Council developing an integrated transport strategy covering the Rotorua area and seeking its support by the NZTA Board prior to any application for funding further phases of the project;
• b. notes that the total construction cost for the Rotorua Eastern Arterial project is estimated at $74 million, the 95th percentile cost is estimated at $84 million and the 5th percentile at $62 million;
• c. notes that the profile for the project has been assessed as MML and that the reasons for this decision are as set out in the Reasons for recommendation section; and
• d. agrees to take Board paper 09/12/0316 out of committee when the Board has published the notice of decision.

Reason for the decision

1. The assessment profile for this activity has been determined as being of Medium strategic fit, Medium effectiveness and Low economic efficiency.

2. While we have some concerns relating to the integration of the Rotorua Eastern Arterial with land use, transport networks and modes, we consider that sufficient work has been done to demonstrate that the activity has increased in priority since development of the NLTP and that this justifies funding for its investigation.

3. The project contributes to NZTA’s Investment and Revenue Strategy, which intends to give effect to the GPS. The project contributes economic development and safety objectives of the LTMA by improving journey time reliability, improving safety and facilitating economic growth by supporting Rotorua’s planned land use.

We confirm that the matters in sections 20(2) and 20(5) of the LTMA have been satisfied, and that the matters in section 20(3) have been taken into account.

If you would like details of how the assessment profile for this activity was determined, please email us at boardsecretariat@nzta.govt.nz.