In Yuma, Maricopans Present $20 Million Proposal for Highway 347 to State Officials

Members of the Arizona State Transportation Board, including Ted Maxwell and Richard Searle, convened on January 12 at Maricopa City Hall, marking the first meeting in the area since September 2022. Local residents and officials gathered to advocate for improvements to State Route 347.

During the meeting, attendees emphasized the urgency of incorporating the highway into the Arizona Department of Transportation’s five-year construction program. Pinal County Supervisor Rich Vitiello reported a plan to allocate $20 million, which he believes resonated with the transportation board. “I got a big smile out of them. It was a small wow factor,” he remarked, expressing hope that this would influence their decision-making.

Maricopa City Councilmember Vincent Manfredi highlighted the importance of community engagement, noting that local participation was instrumental in amplifying the voice of the citizens. “Having three or four hardworking Maricopa residents showing up was amazing,” he said, underscoring the value of public support in the discussion.

The state board noted a significant trend in the feedback regarding the five-year plan, receiving a remarkable 165 comments advocating for the widening of SR 347 between Maricopa and Interstate 10. This number surpasses previous comments on similar projects, reflecting a 432% increase over I-10 and a 1,000% increase over I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff.

Additionally, the recent wave of emails directed to state representatives was impactful enough to lead to the passage of House Bill 2557, which allocates an extra $16.2 million for the highway’s expansion. This funding could play a vital role in addressing the pressing needs of commuters in the region.