PIMA — While the funding proposed by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., for construction of a road to the new Pima High School, continues to move forward, the money proposed from another source appears to be gone.
Pima Town Manager Vernon Batty informed the Town Council on Tuesday that additional federal funding for the project has not been approved.
“$2 million from (U.S. Sen. Kyrsten) Sinema and (U.S. Sen. Mark) Kelly’s offices is a no-go; it did not make it past (Senate) Appropriations,” Batty said. “Which, again, is a reminder of how important it is that Juan Ciscomani is on the (House) Appropriations Committee; he can get a lot done being on that committee.”
Ciscomani was able to include in the House Appropriations bill $1 million to the Town of Pima for construction of a road to the new high school, and $1.9 million to the Town of Duncan to repave more than 4,000 feet of Main and High streets.
Batty said he’s not done seeking additional funding. He said he will apply for the Safe Passage to School grant through Arizona Department of Transportation. The town expects the grant cycle to open by mid-September.
“I’ve been told that we’re exactly what that grant is for, especially having a school with no access to it. We should be a shoe-in, and hopefully that will make up for the rest of the funding,” Batty said.
The new high school is expected to be open to students for the 2025-26 school year.
