The Safford-Graham Economic Partnership recently announced some exciting updates during their Economic Development Panel meeting.

Pima Town Manager Vernon Baty, Thatcher Town Manager Heath Brown, and Safford Mayor John Caserra highlighted several new projects and businesses that will be launching soon.

“We have a plan for a new Burger King, which will involve demolishing the current building and constructing a fresh restaurant,” Brown mentioned.

Additionally, a new U-Haul center is set to open near the Comfort Inn, offering indoor storage and vehicle rentals. Infrastructure work for the Thatcher Commercial Plaza will kick off soon, paving the way for the initial tenant, a credit union from the US Southwest, to start their construction.

Caserra also shared plans for a microbrewery and pub in downtown Safford, as well as improvements to the access road from US Highway 70 to enhance connectivity to the downtown area.

He mentioned pursuing grants aimed at attracting commercial airlines and developing new terminal buildings at the airport. There are also efforts to secure funding for expanding recreational facilities and ballparks in the city.

Colina Pinot Reyes, Chair of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, announced that the Chamber is preparing to work with Safford to sell the airport and Graham Municipal Golf Course.

Graham County Superintendent John Howard reported a 5% rise in local sales tax revenues, although state-shared sales tax revenues remain static, with the state projecting a deficit exceeding $1 billion in the next two years.

Eric Bejarano from EAC’s Small Business Development Center and Sean Wenham from Freeport McMoran expressed their commitment to regional growth, alongside U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.

Ciscomani discussed the $3.3 million allocated for Linear Park and the new Pima Fire Station in his current budget, while also promoting proposals for the upcoming budget.

“We’re looking at $1.2 million for regeneration in Graham County and about $2.4 million allocated for a high school road construction project in Pima,” he explained.

Danny Smith, chair of the Graham Economic Partnership, expressed hopes of initiating quarterly breakfasts with local stakeholders to provide updates on economic development initiatives.