Surprise Meeting Reveals One Key Barrier Keeping 347 Off ADOT’s Priority Plan

Members of the Arizona State Transportation Board convened at Surprise City Hall on February 21, 2025, to deliberate on upcoming projects for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s tentative five-year plan, with particular focus on State Route 347.

The board is considering reintroducing SR 347 as a priority, yet acknowledges a significant challenge: securing adequate funding. Despite recent advancements, such as the approval of Senate Bill 1617 aimed at funding the Riggs Road overpass and a proposal for a half-cent sales tax for widening SR 347, board members remain cautious.

One member emphasized, “We can’t put this into the five-year plan until we know there’s a funding source available.” Advocates for the highway, however, remain optimistic. Tena Dugan, a resident of Glennwilde, expressed her hope, stating, “They’re reading the emails and they’re hearing us. The big thing is we can’t let up on reminding them about [SR] 347.”

Ron Angerame, another Glennwilde resident, echoed this sentiment. “If we can continue to tell a very strong story and close the funding gap for the 347, that’ll be really good,” he noted. Dugan and Angerame were among several local residents, including Mayor Nancy Smith, who attended the meeting, advocating for the highway’s inclusion in the plan.

Mayor Smith indicated that board members need guidance to navigate potential funding solutions. “They have options and we’re asking them to exercise those options for adjusting priorities and getting this critical project in the plan,” she stated, adding that board members appear genuinely interested in finding a pathway forward.

Looking ahead, the public can contribute comments on the proposed improvements for SR 347 starting March 3. Dugan urged community involvement to elevate SR 347 as a priority for ADOT. “I think the city’s got some work to do, and I think our legislators need to keep going with SB 1617 on the Riggs Road overpass,” she advised. “But I do think this is the brightest light at the end of the tunnel that I’ve seen in the many years of going to meetings.”