PHOENIX (KVOA) – Gov. Katie Hobbs announced more than $8 million in state-enabled funding for eight rural infrastructure and economic development projects across Arizona.
The funding, which totals $12 million when combined with matching contributions, will go toward improvements to roads and main streets, water systems, public works equipment, and workforce training programs, according to the governor’s office. Bond financing from the reactivated Greater Arizona Development Authority backs three projects, while grant money from the Southwest Border Regional Commission supports five others.
Hobbs reactivated GADA and initiated Arizona’s partnership with SBRC during her first year in office. GADA, established in 1997, provides low-cost capital for rural and Tribal communities through state bonding authority.
SBRC represents a bipartisan collaboration among Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas and the federal government to direct federal dollars toward economic development along the Southwest Border. GADA is providing its third round of financing since being reactivated, while Arizona is receiving its first round of SBRC Economic and Infrastructure Development Grants since becoming part of the commission in 2023.
“Since day one, supporting rural communities has been a top priority for my administration,” Hobbs said. “Reactivating the Greater Arizona Development Authority and leveraging new opportunities through the Southwest Border Regional Commission have been key steps in ensuring our rural areas have the tools they need to create jobs, attract visitors, and grow.”
The GADA-funded projects include $871,329 for the Town of Wellton to replace outdated sanitation equipment, $583,947 for the Town of Pima to expand its wastewater system, and more than $4.5 million for the Town of Huachuca City to provide critical equipment including street sweepers and landfill compactors. The SBRC grants include $253,500 for the City of Bisbee to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant, $485,000 for the Town of Duncan to restore more than 100 roads, and $750,000 for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity to expand advanced manufacturing workforce training.
Additional SBRC funding includes $337,500 for the Town of Pima to construct a two-lane road with turning lanes and a stoplight to improve access to the new high school and $425,000 for the City of Willcox’s downtown revitalization project. The projects span eight counties across the state.
“Strong economies are built on two foundations: the infrastructure that connects communities and the workforce that powers them,” Mary Foote, director of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, said. “The expansion of ReadyTechGo into additional rural areas puts industry-recognized advanced manufacturing certifications within reach for more Arizonans than ever before.”
Mayor Greg Hancock of Willcox said the funding will support tourism, local businesses and revitalize the city’s historic downtown while providing amenities for the community. Mayor Ken Budge of Bisbee said the funding will play a critical role in upgrading and rehabilitating aging wastewater infrastructure essential to ensure public health.