For the better part of our state’s first century the discussion, in terms of economic development, seemed to be focused on Phoenix and Tucson. Times are changing. Pinal County is well-positioned to be Arizona’s next economic engine.
To keep an economic engine purring, a 21st century Arizona must diversify its economy. A diverse and healthy economy generally results in a broader tax base and fewer taxes.
We all benefit from that.
It is my hope this is the last time we rely on the home-building industry to keep Arizona growing. Certainly, we need an adequate supply of housing, but I believe we need an aggressive plan to attract core industries such as aerospace, agri-business, energy, and health care. To realize Pinal County’s full growth potential, we must first focus our combined efforts to create the infrastructure that supports job growth.
In the next few decades, Pinal County may very well be the epicenter for new infrastructure mega-projects. Let me list a few of the projects that pass right through the heart of Pinal County.
• Interstate 11 – Earlier this summer, Congress officially designated the route connecting metro Phoenix to Las Vegas as Interstate 11 making the project eligible for interstate highway funds. The portion most important to Pinal County connects I-10 near Casa Grande with I-10 near Buckeye via a route that runs south of Maricopa.
I serve as vice president of the Can-do Coalition along with the mayors of Casa Grande and Buckeye. The Can-do Coalition has played a prominent role in initiating the project.
• ADOT Intercity Rail Study – Someday we may be able to ride commuter passenger rail from Phoenix to Tucson. All of the various routes included in this study pass through Pinal County.
• North-South Corridor Study – This ADOT study http://www.azdot.gov is looking at a high-capacity roadway connecting U.S. 60 with I-10 via San Tan Valley, Florence and Coolidge.
If we are not diligent there are groups within Maricopa and Pima counties that will be happy to plan our future. I am passionate that Pinal County must have a strong voice and be a leader at the table when these routes are being planned and implemented. We need leaders who understand the importance of being “in the game.”
