WILLCOX — Birding in Willcox is getting a massive upgrade.
The City of Willcox announced Thursday it has received a $10.7 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Transmission Siting and Economic Development program.
The funding will be used to create a riparian area and wetland sanctuary for birds and other wildlife at Cochise Lake.
“This is another project that will improve the quality of life for our community members and strengthen our businesses. We are grateful to be the only community in Arizona selected for this grant,” Willcox Mayor Mike Laws said in a prepared statement. “Willcox has become well known for the birding opportunities that exist here, attracting thousands of visitors who support our economic base each year. This project will continue to bring funding to our community and local businesses.”
The grant carried a $500,000 match, which was provided by the Southline Transmission Project.
The Southline Transmission Project will “connect the electrical transmission systems of the El Pas, Texas, and Tucson metropolitan areas, and includes new facilities between the Afton, N.M., and Apache, Ariz., substations, as well as upgrade Western Power Administration facilities between the Apache and Vail substations,” according to the project’s website.
