By Phil Riske | Managing Editor
Rep. Vince Leach (R-11) told Rose Law Group Reporter in an e-mail interview he sees the Ducey administration moving the Red Rock project in southern Pinal County along.
The Arizona Senate Republican Caucus announced in 2013 a one-year study period to investigate the sale of state trust land for use by Union Pacific (UP) for a switching yard just north of the community of Red Rock.
It’s now more than two years later and no decision by the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) whether to sell a 950-acre tract of trust land, which would end the frustration of Pinal County officials, who have waited years for the project to get on the tracks.
At last report, the state said a date to auction the property would be early this year at the latest.
Rose Law Group Reporter: Do you think the new administration will push the Red Rock project? Should the Land Department auction the Red Rock property to Union Pacific for the proposed rail yard?
Leach: Yes. Much progress has been made over the recent past to bring this Union Pacific Rail Road classification yard to reality. I am confident that the Governor’s office, as well as the new AZ State Lands Director will have this project at or near the top of the list of action items.
What’s the importance of what’s called the North-South Freeway?
Simply put, goods to market. All roads, including the north-south freeway, serve to move goods and services in our ever-growing economy.
What are your thoughts on Superior’s proposed annexation to control land Resolution Copper says is needed to store its mine tailings?
I support the responsible opening and mining of all mining opportunities in AZ to include Resolution, Rosemont, Wildcat mine. I believe that the local governments should work with these companies to ensure a safe, responsible opening of the mine and well as growing the local, County and State economy.
Critics of the short legislative session say it could result in laws with unintended consequences because of the rush and did not provide enough time to pass important bills. Do you agree or disagree and why?
The Constitutional responsibility of the Legislature is to pass a balanced budget. The Legislature worked to accomplish just that and I am pleased that we did it in record time. The budget was fully vetted, heard in committee, and debated on the floor of each chamber. Not only did we pass a balanced budget – we were able to pass the first structurally balanced budget since the start of the Great Recession without using any gimmicks, and adding $81 Million to K-12 Education for 2016 and an additional $100 Million for 2017.
What bills that didn’t get passed disappoint you?
None.
A lot has been made of Speaker Gowan’s plans to make physical improvements to the House. Are improvements needed and to what extent? Does the Senate need renovations?
The House of Representative building was built in 1957 and like all buildings is in need of repair. Not any different than your home, business building, or other public building. Preventive maintenance always pays off. At this time the House is replacing carpet, which is more than 15 years old and asbestos abatement, which is a health concern for our staff. I will defer to the Senate President regarding the Senate building.
