WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., continues to find federal money for Graham County projects.
In a prepared release issued late Wednesday, Ciscomani announced $1.3 million in federal funding will be made available for the Gila River Linear Park and Trail project, a 4.2 hiking-biking-equestrian trail that will run parallel to the Gila River, connecting Safford and Thatcher.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, it’s my top priority to make sure federal dollars are coming to some of the most important projects in our district,” Ciscomani said in the release. “I am proud to have leveraged my seat at the table to bring home nearly $20 million, money which will leave a long-lasting impact on our communities.”
Previously, Ciscomani announced $2 million in federal money was allocated for a new Pima Fire station.
A key in obtaining the funding has been the effort of two Gila Valley residents — Graham County Supervisor John Howard and author Jennifer Griffith — who sit on Ciscomani’s Citizen Advisory Council. The pair have toured areas of need in Graham County with Ciscomani, as well as connect the Congressman’s office with local stake holders.
When it was first proposed by the Gila Watershed Partnership in 2020, the Linear Park and Trail project had an estimated cost of $2.62 million for the 4.2 miles in Safford, and $1.74 million for the 3.2 miles in Thatcher.
The funds are included in the House Appropriations Committee markup of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development package, one of the initial stages of the committee’s annual budget process. Ciscomani said the committee is set to consider more packages in the coming days.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 6:07 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023, to correct Rep. Ciscomani’s name in the headline.
