It's a big win for Arizona as Governor Katie Hobbs announced a hefty $95 million federal grant to widen a notorious stretch of Interstate 10 that challenges drivers with its bottlenecks and delays, according to the Governor's Office. The grant, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Transportation's INFRA program, targets the 26-mile section within the Gila River Indian Community's turf, with the promise of easing travel for the 120,000 vehicles hitting this road each day.
With the project garnering support from State, federal, tribal, and county governments, it illustrates a landmark partnership geared toward addressing Arizona's infrastructure needs. "The I-10 serves as a major connector for the entire state, and I am thrilled to announce that we have secured the funds necessary to ensure it remains a gateway for generations to come," Hobbs stated, signaling a brighter future for Arizona's economy. Securing the grant was a collaborative triumph, backed ardently by the collective muscle of state officials, Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, and the Arizona Department of Transportation. Hobbs, in a cooperative venture with Governor Lewis, personally presented the proposal to USDOT head Pete Buttigieg, pulling off what may be a precedent-setting accomplishment, the Governor's Office reported.
Acknowledgment for this win extends to Arizona's legislative delegation in Washington, with special nods to Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly alongside Representatives Ruben Gallego and Greg Stanton for their unwavering advocacy. "This investment—one of the largest ever in transportation infrastructure in a tribal community—will be a game-changer for the Gila River Indian Community and is a testament to the leadership of Governor Lewis," Senator Kelly said in a nod to the impact the funding will have for all Arizonans.
On top of the federal grant, Arizona's coffers are throwing in $692 million, while the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) through Proposition 400 is chipping in another $221 million. The overall bill for the project rings in at just north of $1 billion. The I-10 expansion is a significant leap forward for the state, with ADOT Director Jennifer Toth stating that the grant will substantially refine drive times while also enhancing safety for everyone on the road.
Under the umbrella of improvements, the project plans to add a third lane each way between Phoenix and Tucson, reconstruct the I-10 bridges over the Gila River, and revamp six interchanges for safer and more efficient travel. This endeavor is poised to benefit commerce, maintain quality infrastructure, and service the Gila River Indian Community by bolstering connections to essential services.
According to the Governor's Office, the gears of construction are scheduled to start rolling in early 2024. The roles of the various partners, such as GRIC and MAG, in this multiphase project are clearly defined, ensuring that both the states' transportation network and the local needs of the Gila River Indian Community are served effectively.
