By Melissa Johnson | Rose Law Group Reporter
Transportation and economic development continue to be the main focus for improvement and growth in Pinal County.
At Pinal Partnership’s monthly breakfast Friday morning, government staff members updated attendees on current and future projects taking place in the county.
Public Works Director Louis Anderson focused on transportation improvements including Hunt Highway. In a short video, each phase of the project to improve Hunt Highway was discussed. Phase I was a “game changer, done under budget and on time,” the video narrator said.
Phase III opened bids Thursday, and they came in $2,000 under engineer estimates. Most of the improvements will be covered by the $20 million bond approved by county supervisors late last year.
In August, county supervisors also approved a Regional Transportation Authority to generate a plan of roadway networks including the North South Freeway and East West connections.
Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Public Information Officer Brian Sexton said the airport currently has three capital projects underway which is a good strength indicator of the economy. With Allegiant Airline’s motto of having less expensive enough flights to encourage the uncommon traveler to travel, each aircraft landing in the Valley brings in $80,000 of new money to Arizona. “People who normally wouldn’t come here are,” Sexton said. The airport estimates that in 10 to 15 years there will be three million travelers, which will compliment, not compete, with Sky Harbor.
Darrell Wilson from HilgartWilson discussed Circle G at the San Tans on behalf of his client Jason Barney. Wilson says the project used unconventional approaches, and Pinal County staff was wonderful to work with. The 320-acre project will spur more development in the area which includes state land to the north and east.
Other topics of interest discussed included education and regional parks, both of which are seeing progression and growth along with the rest of the county.
