Hobbs bragged about 347 funding before axing it

The governor gives and the governor takes away. 

Gov. Katie Hobbs, in a video delivered to the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce-hosted Women in Government Economic Forum late last year, said she was pleased to have allotted $50 million to State Routes 347 and 238. It was intended to alleviate congestion and improve traffic safety.  

“I was proud to deliver this for your community and will continue to make sure that all of our cities are able to reap the benefits of Arizona’s economic growth,” she says in the video, which she filmed in lieu of attending the meeting in Maricopa. The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce provided InMaricopa with the footage last week. 

“I’ll continue to make sure the city of Maricopa is known throughout the state for the amazing growth that has happened here over the last 20 years,” the governor continues. 

Hobbs, earlier this month, scrapped $25 million in funding for the 347 overpass at Riggs Road, which would have eliminated the need for a traffic light there. 

Hobbs recently proposed $1 billion in state deficit cuts.

State Rep. Teresa Martinez (R-Casa Grande), the vice chair of the House Transportation Committee, is expected to present the governor with her constituents’ responses to the highway cutbacks Wednesday in the form of hundreds of letters. 

Martinez said she’s ready to fight to keep the Riggs overpass project alive.  

“I will, in no way support a budget that takes away money from I-10 or 347,” Martinez told InMaricopa last week. “If I have to go through each agency and find cuts to make up for the money, I’ll do it.” 

The project is funded for construction beginning in 2026, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

Hobbs explained why she was slashing the state budget, targeting nearly $420 million in transportation projects. 

“We are cutting out the wasteful taxpayer spending while making critical investments that will help middle class families buy a home, expand access to childcare, make prescription drugs more affordable and protect disabled Arizonans and seniors,” Hobbs said after floating her intent to nix the 347/Riggs Road project. 

“This is what it looks like to invest in our communities and build a state that works for every Arizonan,” the governor said. 

ADOT is conducting an environmental study and design concept report to evaluate interchange alternatives and select a preferred alternative. 

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and take up to 18 months to complete, ADOT states. 

Hobbs’ office did not respond to several requests for comment. 

If you want to contact Hobbs’ office, click here or call 602-542- 4331.