As budget negotiations begin, we urge legislators to preserve this funding and fight to find other opportunities to reduce spending that do not negatively impact regional transportation and economic development opportunities.
On January 12, Governor Katie Hobbs released her proposed executive budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. We recognize that the state faces a budget shortfall this year, but $87.5 million in funding will be recovered for State Route 24, a critical highway in the Southeast Valley and Pinal Counties. I didn't expect there to be a plan. It is expected to be extended.
The region includes Queen Creek, the fastest growing community in the entire state, Mesa, the southeastern part of Arizona's third largest municipality, and Pinal County's San Tan Valley, with a population of over 100,000 people. A large unincorporated community and 10,000 new homes are planned. Located in Apache Junction on State Trust Land.
The need for additional investment in this part of the state was recognized when last year's state budget, signed by the governor himself, included $87.5 million. Funding this eastern extension of the highway and the Ironwood Road interchange is an economic development win that increases the value of the state trust lands that the highway passes through. State Trust Land proceeds are used to fund essential state services, including K-12 education.
The Town of Queen Creek, Pinal County, Arizona is receiving significant interest from prominent advanced manufacturers looking to locate in Arizona. This follows LG Energy Solution's announcement of his $5.5 billion commitment in the creation of the largest-ever investment in a standalone battery manufacturing facility in North America. The new highway will make the region even more attractive, adding more jobs and more efficient access.
The proposed repeal of this funding represents a missed opportunity on the part of the governor and the state. Local communities rely on these funds to deliver major infrastructure projects and seek opportunities to supplement them with federal or local funding. As budget negotiations begin, we urge legislators to preserve this funding and fight to find other opportunities to reduce spending that do not negatively impact regional transportation and economic development opportunities.
If you are interested in contacting your state legislator, complete contact information is available below. azleg.gov. To contact the Governor, please visit: azgovernor.gov/office-Arizona-
Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley and Pinal County Commission Supervisor Mike Goodman.
