TA Tidbits #73 CSDP-I-11 & Master Plan
- Mark L. Johnson
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Tortolita Alliance (TA) is a member group of the Coalition For Sonoran Desert Protection (CSDP). TA coordinates with CSDP on a variety of projects. CSDP provided these recent updates on the proposed I-11 project and their 2026 Master Plan.
Update on the Interstate 11 Project and Lawsuit
In January 2025, and in response to the lawsuit brought by the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of Ironwood Forest, Tucson Bird Alliance, and CSDP, the Federal Highway Administration was ordered to re-evaluate the project’s Tier 1 environmental impact statement (EIS) and open a new public comment period.
The comment period is expected in late 2026.
We are now leading preparation for a coordinated regional response — developing a shared toolkit and aligning partners (elected officials, Tribal Nations, business leaders, journalists, etc.) to continue to oppose the West Option, including with letters, resolutions, and similar tools.
Around the end of this summer, we’ll launch a comprehensive public campaign that will extend through the end of the public comment period. We led a similar campaign back in 2021, and — like then — we’ll look to you to help amplify this work with the help of the shared toolkit.
HB 2601 is moving through the State Legislature — you may have seen our recent action alert. The bill would segment the I‑11 project to try to sidestep our lawsuit, though the lawsuit covers the entire proposed route in Arizona. We’ll keep you updated; no action is needed at this time.
For now, refer to stopi11.com for talking points (a downloadable PDF is coming soon). We’ll keep in touch as key dates and opportunities to act approach.
CSDP Master Plan
CSDP 2026 Master Plan is available at the following link:
The CSDP Mission and Vision align completely with TA's Mission. The Tortolita Mountain to Tucson Mountain and Catalina Mountain wildilfe linkages are highlighted throughout the master plan.
We look forward to working with CSDP in conjunction with the Arizona State Land Department and the Town of Marana's proposal to puchase the Tortolita Preserve (2,400 acres) and protect that vital wildlife linkage in perpetuity.
TA 2026 Fundraiser Reminder
Every 2-3 years, TA conducts a fundraiser to help offset our $3,500 annual operating expense. TA has worked hard over the last 6 years to protect the Tortolita Preserve (2,400 acres) and keep our members informed on a variety of topics. Your financial support will help TA immensely. If you have not done so already, please consider making a donation by clicking on the following link.