Florence Reminder Blade-Tribune
The Florence Town Council voted to join the cities of Casa Grande, Eloy and Coolidge, and western Pinal County in a new “metropolitan planning organization” (MPO) to serve as the leader on transportation planning, air quality goals and eventually other issues of mutual concern.
Florence’s resolution, passed at the council’s regular meeting Jan. 22, states the town’s intent to become an original member of the new Sun Corridor MPO being formed by Casa Grande. It also specifies that San Tan Valley and the Superstition Vistas planning area be included. It excludes planning areas for Queen Creek, Apache Junction and the city of Maricopa.
Per federal law, urban areas of at least 50,000 people must form an MPO. Casa Grande met this threshold and is now required to form an MPO. Neighboring communities may join the new MPO if they meet the density and population requirements.
Casa Grande, Eloy, Coolidge and Pinal County have indicated their support or adopted resolutions supporting the creation of the Sun Corridor MPO and stating their intent to become original members.
Apache Junction and Maricopa have indicated their preference to remain or become members of the Maricopa County Association of Governments (MAG) MPO.
