Riggs Road Overpass Funding Bill Surges Forward

During a hearing at the Arizona State Capitol on February 18, 2025, the Senate Appropriations Committee endorsed a pivotal bill aimed at expediting funding for the Riggs Road overpass on State Route 347.

The committee voted 8-1 in favor of Senate Bill 1617, introduced by Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge). This legislation seeks to allocate $49 million for the overpass during the upcoming fiscal year rather than waiting until 2028. Shope expressed that this initiative would “make life easier for everyone in Maricopa.”

Though Shope was absent for the vote, his proposal drew significant attention, particularly from local leaders such as Mayor Nancy Smith. She voiced concerns regarding the hazardous conditions of the highway.

Sen. Vince Leach (R-Saddlebrooke) emphasized the urgency of addressing safety, remarking on the perilous nature of the road. Other committee members echoed this sentiment, including Sen. David Farnsworth (R-Mesa), who asserted, “Money is not spent better than money that’s spent on infrastructure.”

Sen. John Kavanaugh (R-Fountain Hills) humorously noted that approving the bill could alleviate the influx of concerned emails from constituents.

In contrast, Sen. Lauren Kuby (D-Tempe) cast the sole dissenting vote. She expressed concerns that prioritizing the overpass project could disrupt other planned infrastructure initiatives by the Arizona Department of Transportation.