Gov. Ducey has a reputation of supporting private enterprise. He also has a good reputation for applying his fiduciary responsibility to control state expenses. With those two goals in mind, one can see why Gov. Ducey would seek to commercialize rest areas in Arizona. But when you look below the surface and more thoroughly evaluate the idea, it quickly becomes apparent that such an effort would bring more harm than good to local businesses and communities.
Bowlin Travel Centers and other highway operators like us have invested millions in our businesses, including money for clean restrooms, food offerings, retail facilities, safe overnight parking, fuel and other key amenities in support of highway traffic. The vast majority of the tax revenues we generate stay in the local county or city where the facility resides.
If Gov. Ducey and AZDOT commercialize state rest areas, most likely a national company outside of Arizona would be awarded the contract to operate the facility. The commercialized rest areas would be leased from the state and tax revenues would shift to state coffers instead.
Our business, and others operating at the interstate exits, would suffer a dramatic drop in sales and subsequently a corresponding drop in employees and tax receipts. A 2003 study conducted by the University of Maryland affirms that commercial rest areas devastate the economic contributions of interstate businesses.
My grandfather used to say “not all money is good money.” Such is the case with commercial rest areas, which would devastate Arizona’s local businesses.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.