WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced the Department of Transportation awarded Santa Cruz County $6.6 million for its Ruby Road Bridge project. The funding is sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as part of the Reconnecting Communities Pilot grant program, the first-ever federal program dedicated to reconnecting communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure.

“This federal funding is the direct result of the Biden administration’s commitment to providing Southern Arizonans with the resources they need to build more resilient and economically vibrant communities,” said Rep. Grijalva. “I’m proud to have supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and this critical infrastructure project. I will continue to fight for resources that foster economic development and make our communities healthier, safer and more prosperous.”

“We are grateful for Congressman Grijalva’s support and advocacy for Santa Cruz County and especially appreciative of his support and advocacy for the County’s recently awarded $6.6 million Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant,” said Santa Cruz County Board Chair Manny Ruiz. “The critical Ruby Road Bridge project will revitalize an underserved area, provide for crucial future infrastructure improvements and improve access to the daily needs of its community.  We are thankful for Congressman Grijalva’s support for this important infrastructure improvement that will add connectivity in our County.”

The Ruby Road Bridge project will replace a dilapidated and overused 40-year-old bridge approaching the end of its expected lifespan. It will span the railroad and Potrero Creek which provides Santa Cruz County with the only route accessible in a flooding event or railroad emergency; assist I-19 current operations and future projects; and serve as a vital component of the Interconnect Road from State Route 82 to Interstate 19, which will aid commerce as well as provide a direct connection to Nogales International Airport.

Prior to this federal funding announcement, the bridge project had $8.6 million committed with a total of $15 million needed for completion. Funding sources included $3 million from the state, $2 million from Santa Cruz County, and $3.6 million secured in a Fiscal Year 2024 congressionally directed spending request.  This federal grant will fulfill the remaining 40 percent of funding for the project to be completed.

Read Rep. Grijalva’s letter of support here.