Co-chair Richard Rosales introduced Senator T.J. Shope from the Arizona State Legislature.
- The legislative session ended June 27th with passage of the state budget
- This is year 13 for Senator Shope with one more term remaining.
- Big wins for Pinal County
- Funding SR 347 for Maricopa
- $41 Million for Riggs Overpass and Casa Blanca Intersection improvements
- Being hyper vigilant to ensure the funding stream isn’t interrupted as future shortfalls are projected.
- State House Representatives Lopez and Martinez prioritized local transportation, law enforcement, and emergency services.
- Ag to Urban Bill
- Senator Shope’s extensive efforts were recognized here and when he attended the Queen Creek celebration a few weeks ago.
- Arizona Department of Water Resources is working on implementation.
- October/November is good timing for kicking off discussion/planning for next session priorities.
- Colorado River discussions continue and will be the focus for water. Arizona is the only state that will require legislative approval of an agreement among all of the basin states. Mitch Basefsky of CAP provided: Check out CAP’s latest: Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline – Preserving and protecting our water now and for future generations
- Grant Hanna is Chief of Staff now in the State House of Representatives; Senator Shope sees as a net positive for both chambers.
- San Tan Valley incorporation has been a long time coming, and he doesn’t see a ground swell effort to revisit funding distribution.
- With regard to transportation, Senator Shope sees the focus turning more to ADOT’s progress on Loop 505 and protecting local funding allocations from last session.
- Major announcement of gas pipeline by Energy Transfer/Trans Western with APS, SRP, TEP and SW Gas as major off takers.
- Appeals court decision against Resolution Copper is anticipated to eventually settle in their favor. Senator Shope’s following mining progress and has been impressed with their public relations strategy; major education process has to take place for those new to the area.
- Cole Libera of Rose Law Group indicated the PCWA bill will return next session.
- Here is the link from Senator Shope for the voter registration petition:
https://apps.azsos.gov/apps/election/eps/op/
The next Pinal Partnership Breakfast is September 5th and is sold out. Reminder to “Save the Date” on the first Friday of each month.
The next PPGRC Meeting will be on September 23rd.
Visit https://pinalpartnership.com/meetings-and-events/ for more information.
