Major progress is in store for Maricopa’s commuters with the Arizona State budget’s recent embrace of full funding for State Route 347 (SR347) improvements, signaling a milestone in transportation infrastructure and safety. According to a report by the City of Maricopa, the budget received Senate approval and now awaits the Governor’s signature, promising to address the commuting woes through enhanced efficiency and capacity along this critical corridor.
Bipartisan efforts have culminated in a budget that, along with previous allocations and contributions from various levels of government including the State Transportation Board, MAG, Pinal County, and the City of Maricopa finally garners enough financial backing to revolutionize the SR347, this comprises the Riggs Road Traffic Interchange among other projects. In a statement obtained by the City of Maricopa, City Manager Benjamin Bitter elucidated the corridor’s significance, “SR347 is our lifeline. It connects our residents to jobs, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities across the region.”
The funding is the result of years of steadfast planning and advocacy, empowering Maricopa to transform the SR347 into a thoroughfare that not only meets residents’ needs but also paves the way for economic prosperity. Emphasizing community efforts and legislative support, Mayor Nancy Smith praised lawmakers and citizens alike in her acknowledgment of the collective’s endeavors, “We’d also like to thank every resident who sent emails, made calls, and stood with us to advocate for this corridor. Today’s budget reflects what is possible when communities and lawmakers work together to invest in our future,” as quoted in the City of Maricopa’s announcement…