Published on May 11, 2023
Two of Maricopa’s busiest thoroughfares are receiving tens of millions of dollars from improvements. City of Maricopa leaders and Arizona State legislators worked together this week to approve a $17.9 billion budget. Of that, over$50 million are dedicated to improvements along the SR-347 and SR-238 corridors.
Specifically, the appropriated funds correspond to projects which will:
“We all know how important these improvements are not only to alleviate congestion but also to make these roads safer for our residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Nancy Smith. “Everyone will benefit from these efforts for years to come and we commend the work of our local representatives, Teresa Martinez and T.J. Shope, who worked tirelessly to secure these funds. They introduced and shepherded the legislation and made these pieces their individual budget requests, fighting for them in the process, and they were 100% instrumental in getting these funds.”
Largely unknown to the general public is the long hours requires to move these bills across the finish line. Rep. Martinez and Sen. Shope labored diligently over the course of the marathon session to drive these initiatives forward on Maricopa’s behalf, ultimately learning of their success at 4:45 in the morning earlier this week.
City of Maricopa Intergovernmental Affairs Director Katy Proctor also noted Rep. Keith Seaman’s staunch support of these critical projects.
“We are very fortunate to be represented by legislators who support these critical infrastructure projects in our region,” said Proctor.
The budget bills are now awaiting the Governor’s signature.