By Phil Riske, managing editor
In a statement issued Friday after it was revealed the FBI was investigating a former investor in AZ Sourcing’s PhoenixMart 1,700-business expo center, Casa Grande said $172,000 has been spent so far on the pre-construction of a sewer line extension, but no taxpayer funds have gone toward construction of the 21-inch line east of Interstate 10.
The city also has authorized $100,000 for consulting services.
The city has an agreement with AZ Sourcing to pay $5.2 million of a $10 million project to extend the line, reported the Casa Grande Dispatch on Sunday. The city’s share would be paid over many years through development impact fees.
PhoenixMart is contracted to begin payments on its share of the budget when the city was ready to enter a construction agreement, the paper said.
The sewer extension is seen as a benefit for developers planning residential and commercial projects in the area. The area could see 1,600 new homes and 4,000 new residents.
The Dispatch on Sunday published two anonymous social media comments from residents who, the paper said, complained about possible ramifications to the city if PhoenixMart is not completed.
Some construction has been done.
