PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs on Monday announced a major step forward for rural infrastructure, marking the first time in over a decade that the Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) has awarded funding for such projects.
The newly reactivated program will provide a total of $1.4 million in assistance to three rural areas across Arizona: the town of Superior, Apache County’s Escudilla Mountain Domestic Water Improvement District, and the city of Winslow.
“When I reactivated GADA last year, I knew it would become a vital resource for communities that have been overlooked,” Hobbs said in a statement. “These projects address critical infrastructure needs while creating pathways to economic growth and community safety. Every Arizonan, regardless of their zip code, deserves reliable infrastructure that connects them to opportunity.”
GADA, which offers access to low-interest financing for essential community developments, was previously dormant for more than ten years. From 1997 to 2014, it helped fund 84 projects through $574 million in issued bonds. Now, the state aims to finance up to $60 million in rural developments over the next year.
The largest share of the funding—$1.3 million—is going to the town of Superior to support the Panther Bridge project. The bridge is expected to improve access for local residents commuting to school or work and enhance emergency response times for fire and medical services, especially during inclement weather.
Apache County’s Escudilla Mountain DWID will receive $40,000 in technical assistance for engineering and design work on a new community standpipe. David Knobbe, the district’s chairman, said the project offers a sustainable, long-term water solution for residents.
“Our residents have worked together for years to address our water needs, and this funding provides a modern, long-term solution that will serve generations to come,” Knobbe said.
The city of Winslow was awarded $100,000 for the preconstruction engineering and design of a levee. City officials say the improvement will open up previously unusable floodplain land for industrial development.
“This investment will transform unusable space into an economic engine for our community,” said Winslow City Manager David Coolidge.
