Co-chair Rebecca Timmer opened the meeting with Liz Goodman and Cole Libera, lobbyists for Pinal Partnership, updating the committee on current session activity.
Liz Goodman and Cole Libera are leading the lobbying efforts along with support from their team member Destiny Ruiz.
- Transportation letter sent to appropriations committee and working with members advocating for the bills to get in the budget
- Extension of SR 24 in bill 2519
- Click here for copy of transportation letter from Craig
- Katy Proctor from the City of Maricopa provided additional talking points for SR 347:
- Funding for the SR 347 / Riggs Road Interchange is a critical need in the FY 2026 state budget. This section of highway sees over 58,000 vehicles every day, and is controlled with a regular traffic light, leading to frequent accidents. This intersection is the fourth most dangerous controlled intersection on the state highway system and was the site of 306 accidents in a recent five-year period. Unfortunately, 40% of those accidents resulted in a suspected, minor, or serious injury and five resulted in at least one fatality. ADOT recently announced the selected design for the interchange, which will elevate SR 347 over Riggs Rd, deconflicting the intersection and leading to safer travel and less congestion on SR 347.
- This project was originally funded in FY 2021, and due to the complicated nature of the project, costs have increased over time. The current proposal would provide an additional $12.3 million in FY 2026 for preconstruction needs, along with an additional $29.1million in FY 2027 for construction. The remaining $49 million for construction is already factored into the FY 2028 budget. These funds are critical to constructing this project as soon as final design is complete next year. This is an immediate safety need for the region and we ask for your support on this project
- Craig and Cole have met with various appropriations committee members including the chair
- No budget will be a challenge in identifying funding with SR 347 being a priority
- ASU Decision Theater funding for regional transportation plan will also be a funding priority
On the water front, HB2753 has been signed by the Governor and is a huge win for Pinal County. Click here for press release.
Rebecca asked how the committee could continue to support the lobbying efforts
- Cole requested intergovs for municipalities reiterate these priorities and reach out to legislators
- One committee member suggested there’s a disconnect between Senate and House on SR 347, an opportunity to move forward Riggs Road interchange is critical to addressing traffic flow and road safety
- Senate allocation of funding to specific members is preferred, but House wants a more comprehensive budgeting approach
- At this point in the session, most bills are settled except for those impacting budget
- Prop 123, education funding, still being worked on as it relates to the budget
- HB 2201 wildfire bill was approved, and Pinal Partnership is monitoring. Requires all utilities to file wildfire mitigation.
- HB 2774 energy bill for small modular reactors in communities with population under 500,000 was supported due to increased diversity of energy options but was vetoed by Governor. Expect some similar legislation will return in the next session.
Rebecca introduced Bryan Seppala from Resolution Copper for update:
- The U.S. Supreme Court denied the review of the Apache Stronghold petition regarding the land exchange, thereby allowing the Ninth Circuit’s decision to stand. This is an encouraging development for the future of the Resolution Copper project.
- As previously announced on April 17th, the United States Forest Service also issued their legally required 60-day notice of intent to republish a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Resolution Copper project.
- There are still a few steps to go, but this represents significant progress and is great news. Here’s a quick rundown of what happens next:
- The FEIS is scheduled to be republished no earlier than 60 days from the April 17th notice.
- Following republication, two additional periods will commence: a 45-day public comment period and a 60-day deadline to complete the land exchange.
- As always, our commitment to respectful, meaningful engagement with Native American Tribes and local communities remains a cornerstone of our work. We will continue to nurture these relationships and ensure the project reflects the values of those around us.
Liz Goodman predicted the session should wrap up by late June.
The committee appreciates the work of the lobbying group for Pinal Partnership. Both the Water Resources and Government Relations Committee will continue to work with the Pinal Partnership lobby team and leadership to evaluate legislation important to Pinal County and our membership. In addition, increased collaboration with the Transportation Committee is anticipated for the next session.
A general discussion on the value of lobbying to the membership to ensure results and wins are identified in anticipation of funding future efforts. Rebecca shared how other organizations identify and communicate policy priorities at the start of the session.
The next Pinal Partnership Breakfast is June 6th at Robson Ranch in Eloy.
The next PPGRC Meeting will be on June 24th.
Visit https://pinalpartnership.com/meetings-and-events/ for more information.
