By Kathleen Stinson
The Arizona Republic
Queen Creek officials have decided to spend an additional $10 million on capital improvements as a supplement to its current five-year program, based on a belief that the town has emerged from the recession.
The projects, targeted for completion over the next three years, will improve the appearance of the downtown area, are expected to attract investment to Queen Creek and provide an improved road system for future growth.
With building-permit revenues on the increase and a forecast for the population to increase substantially by 2020, the town is more optimistic about its future and has decided to dip into its transportation reserve fund.
“The big story is we haven’t had any street improvements for three years,” said Chris Anaradian, the town’s new development services director. “We are now able to take the reserve funds the town has been saving throughout the recession years and spend it where it is most needed and will help us in the future.”
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