Revamped Initiative Unlocks Funding for Rural and Tribal Infrastructure Revitalization

Rural and tribal communities in Arizona seeking to develop infrastructure projects now have access to new financial assistance.

Gov. Katie Hobbs, along with the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Arizona Finance Authority, has relaunched the Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) with enhanced financial aid for these communities.

Mary Foote, Director of the Greater Arizona Development Authority, stated that GADA aims to finance publicly owned infrastructure, ranging from roads to community centers. Any project that is publicly owned and maintained qualifies for the program, providing low-cost financing for rural development or improvements.

GADA functions as a state infrastructure bank for rural and tribal areas, using its funds as collateral to unlock bonds for communities lacking access to traditional capital markets. This strategy leverages private financing to aid public infrastructure projects.

Established in 1997, GADA has been inactive for almost a decade. “GADA is a proven tool for economic development in our rural communities,” said Gov. Hobbs. She emphasized that this relaunch provides an opportunity to invest in essential infrastructure statewide.

Between 1997 and 2014, GADA supported 84 projects, issuing $574 million in bonds. These projects included firehouses, community centers, libraries, municipal complexes, and transportation improvements in rural areas.

Arizona Finance Authority Board Chair Robin Romano said GADA’s mission is to support rural Arizona and tribal governments in enhancing community and economic growth. “Investing in our rural and tribal communities is vital to the success of Arizona,” Romano noted, anticipating financing between $50 million and $100 million within the next year.

Foote stressed the importance of the GADA relaunch, noting increased state and federal attention to public infrastructure investment. She acknowledged the rising costs of both interest rates and materials, making this program crucial for rural and tribal communities.

Outreach to tribal communities seeking assistance is a priority for GADA, as no tribal projects were completed during its initial phase. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Executive Director Maria Dadgar highlighted the underserved status of Indigenous communities regarding capital and resources. “GADA could serve as a valuable partner in addressing ongoing infrastructure needs on tribal lands,” she said.

The application for the GADA program opened on August 1 and will remain open until October 1. For further details, visit www.gada.az.gov.