We’ve waited long enough. The widening of State Route 347 has been stalled for years. But this week, we may finally see real progress with funding.

The Arizona State Transportation Board is preparing to approve its final Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program for FY 2026–2030.

At first glance, this might seem like just another government process. However, it matters because an amendment to the agenda now puts SR 347 widening directly on the table as part of the plan.

Three alternatives are being presented to the board. Two of them would include the SR 347 widening project, starting as early as FY 2026.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s being considered:

Alternative 1: Do Nothing for SR 347 (we do not want this)

This is ADOT staff’s original recommendation. It preserves the current list of projects unchanged. SR 347 widening is NOT included. If the board votes in favor of this, our project will remain unfunded and delayed again.

Alternative 2: Fund SR 347 by reprioritizing one major project

This version would delay the SR 260 Lion Springs project (a northern Arizona project) and instead, add SR 347 widening in FY 2026–2027, finally moving our project forward and add design work for other regional projects ranked 5 through 8 under the P2P (Planning to Programming) list

Alternative 3: Fund SR 347 by delaying three projects

This version goes further. It would delay three separate highway road preservation projects around the state and add SR 347 widening in FY 2026–2027 and include design work for P2P projects ranked 5 through 8

Both Alternative 2 and 3 get SR 347 into the plan and under active development.

What Can You Do?

• Email [email protected] immediately with a respectful message and let them know that an alternative one (1) of the amendments to the agenda is not an option for you. We want to see amendment two (2) or three(3)
• Call 602-713-7550 and let them know we need 347 widening funded.
• Attend the meeting tomorrow morning in Payson and speak during the public comment portion of Agenda Item 5.
• Request to speak via telephone or Webex here Request for Public Input | Arizona State Transportation Board
• Each person will have two minutes to speak, so keep your message focused and respectful

Here’s where to review the agendas: Arizona State Transportation Board website

Maricopa has been advocating for this project for over a decade. We will only get SR 347 widened if we stay engaged, by showing up, speaking out, and making our voices count every step of the way. This is our chance. Let’s make it count.

This is a letter to the editor. Vincent Manfredi is a Maricopa City Council member and owner of InMaricopa.