Approximately $25 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help rebuild Mojave Road in La Paz County, Arizona. This roadway has a history of fatal accidents and is also home to the Colorado River Indian Reservation headquarters, so this reconstruction project is critical to ensuring the safety of the community.

historical background

• “The project will fix safety deficiencies that have caused injuries or fatalities at two of Mojave Road's six most dangerous intersections. During the three-year period from 2017 to 2019, a total of 74 crashes occurred within the 16.5-mile project limits, resulting in 29 personal injuries and 44 property damage incidents. ” – US Department of Transportationlast accessed: June 2, 2023

project overview

• “This project will reconstruct approximately 16.50 miles of Mojave Road from I-95 south to Agnes Wilson Road, including asphalt paving and shoulders, right-turn lane improvements at intersections, street lighting, and signage.” – US Department of Transportationlast accessed: June 2, 2023

Outcomes, Improvements and Practical Impact

• “This project will improve highways used for school buses, mail delivery, emergency services, and the movement of goods, and improve access to social services, especially health care.” – US Department of Transportationlast accessed: June 2, 2023

Implications for racial equity and justice

• “This project is also innovative in supporting planned broadband deployment along the corridor to reach historically disadvantaged and rural communities.” – US Department of Transportationlast accessed: June 2, 2023
  • This road runs straight through the Colorado River Indian Reservation, and the tribe's headquarters are also located on this road. – Colorado River Indian Tribal Governmentlast accessed: June 2, 2023

economic impact

• Colorado River Indian tribes want a better transportation system. They asked for the following: 1. Phased introduction of a fixed route system. Focused on tribal communities near the Parker region. Point-to-point fixed routes to remote areas where tribal activity is concentrated. 2. Phased demand response services for rural communities. Implementation. Prioritization by tribal leaders in rural focus areas. Service by appointment only.” – Arizona Memory ProjectFebruary 2014
• Reconstruction work must use steel, industrial products, and construction materials manufactured in the United States. “On August 11, 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it will provide financial support to the Mojave Road Reconstruction Project in Arizona, which is subject to Buy America requirements. Implemented by the Tribe. Financial support will be in the form of grants totaling $25 million. More specifically, under Buy America regulations, all steel, manufactured goods, Construction materials must be manufactured in the United States.” – world trade alertAugust 11, 2022
• “They felt the transportation gap was the lack of transportation to Phoenix. Greyhound goes from Ehrenberg to Blythe, Calif., but not to Parker. Occasionally, we get a call for a medical trip to Phoenix.” – Arizona Memory ProjectFebruary 2014
• Mojave Road's proximity to the California border may help alleviate some of these issues listed in the 2014 needs report. – Colorado River Indian Tribal Governmentlast accessed: June 2, 2023

Official statement of support

• Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.): “A year ago, we worked with Republicans and Democrats to negotiate and pass bipartisan infrastructure legislation that would help communities across Arizona. Because of our work, we are proud to announce these grants that will support infrastructure projects in Phoenix, Tucson, Navajo Counties, and the Colorado River Indian Tribe. I think so. These projects will create more Arizona jobs while making it safer and more efficient for Arizonans to travel to school, work, and doctor's appointments. I will continue to work closely with Arizona leaders to ensure our state takes full advantage of this historic investment in America's infrastructure. ” – Office of U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ)August 18, 2022

selected clip

• “What Arizona got from Biden’s infrastructure law (so far)” – copper courierMarch 27, 2023