If appropriation bills pass into law, Rep. Grijalva will have secured nearly $48 million for southern Arizona
WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced that he secured $11.9 million in federal funding for community projects across the 7th Congressional District of Arizona as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations process. The funding includes 15 community projects championed by Rep. Grijalva totaling $11,938,800.
Rep. Grijalva released the following statement:
“These federal investments will aid in the development and improvement of critical infrastructure and services across southern Arizona. Since community funding projects were reinstated, we’ve brought more than $47.6 million back to Southern Arizona. Despite Republicans unfairly distributing federal funding for their own districts and attaching extreme policy riders to budgetary bills this appropriations cycle, I’m proud to have secured this federal funding and will continue to fight for resources for our communities to grow and thrive.”
The 15 projects included in the government funding package, include:
- $250,000 for Yuma County Avenue E & D Extension
- $500,000 for Barrio Nopal Park Development
“The residents of Barrio Nopal have been requesting a park for over 30 years,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “Thanks to the support of Congressman Grijalva and his dedication to securing federal investments and the work of Council Member Lane Santa Cruz, the park at Barrio Nopal will become a reality. Through ongoing federal funding, the City of Tucson is making a significant difference in the lives of the children and families, providing them with the same amenities and opportunities available in other parts of the city. We are strategically using layered funding to address the historical underinvestment in this community.”
“Thank you, Congressman Grijalva, for securing $500,000 for Barrio Nopal,” said City Manager Tim Thomure. “Funding for parks and green spaces is crucial for improving our community’s quality of life. Your support will transform this area in Barrio Nopal into a vibrant, green sanctuary for future generations to enjoy.”
“Activating vacant lots into parks is crucial for community re-investment,” said Parks and Recreation Director Lara Hamwey. “This investment targets areas of our city in greatest need. Barrio Nopal Park will unite families and neighbors and provide a safe outdoor space for children to play.”
- $630,000 for City of Avondale Base & Meridian Wildlife Area Restoration
“Congressman Grijalva is such a well-respected voice for our state and country’s natural resources. We are so proud to have him as a champion for funding to restore the Base Meridian Wildlife Area – an environmental, educational and economic treasure in Avondale,” said Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise.
- $850,000 for Cochise College Outdoor Field Renovation
“We are very appreciative of Congressman Grijalva and his efforts to obtain funding for our project in the FY 25 House appropriations bill. This funding would allow us to finish replacing the natural grass with artificial turf at Bo Hall Field on our Douglas Campus. Its impact would support the college’s environmental efforts for a sustainable future by decreasing the college’s impact on groundwater and supplements our ongoing water conservation efforts such as xeriscaping, installing rainwater harvesting and metering,” said Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, President of Cochise College.
- $850,000 for ADOT International Port of Entry Connector Road
“The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is tremendously encouraged by Congressman Grijalva’s efforts to secure $850,000 in Community Project Funding for ADOT’s Douglas Connector Road in the initial FY-25 House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Act. Connecting a new Douglas port of entry with the state highway system is critical for the local community and the economy of Arizona and the western U.S. This project is a top priority for ADOT to improve safety and increase efficiency at our southern border,” said ADOT Director Jennifer Toth.
- $545,000 for City of Douglas Police Department Emergency
“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Grijalva for advocating the inclusion of our funding request in the House appropriations bill. The funding for the Strategic Upgrade for the Douglas Police Department’s Emergency and Operations project will significantly enhance our ability to protect and serve the residents of Douglas, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our congressional representatives for recognizing the importance of this initiative and supporting our efforts to make Douglas a safer and better place to live,” said Mayor Donald C. Huish.
“The City of Douglas Police Department sincerely appreciates and attributes the advocacy from Congressman Grijalva’s office for this proposal’s inclusion for consideration. We anxiously await approval as this funding will put the equipment in the hands of first responders for timely response to critical situations while also providing efficiency in daily operations,”said Police Chief Kraig Fullen.
- $965,000 for Mariposa Community Health Center Maternal & Child Health Center Renovations
“Mariposa Community Health Center, Inc., is committed to providing the highest quality care to women and children of Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Over the last several years, it has been working to enhance the infrastructure to provide the best services to the community. In order to do that, adequate space and other resources are essential. The Mariposa Maternal Child Health Renovation project funding will provide much needed support to continue our effort to eliminate maternal and infant mortality in the county. We are grateful to Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) and his staff for supporting Mariposa and Santa Cruz County. We are very fortunate that the Congressman has a strong interest in maternal and child issues in his district.”
- $1,105,800 for Yuma County Orange Grove & Rancho Mesa Verde Sewer Services
“Great news! This project will significantly improve the livelihoods of the residents in our community. The residents are eagerly looking forward to having a reliable sewer system. I want to thank the residents for their patience. We also extend our gratitude to the Mayor and Council of the City of Somerton for approving the connection to the city’s wastewater system. Additionally, we thank our great friend, Congressman Grijalva, who always looks out for his constituents,” said Martin Porchas, Board of Supervisors, Chairman.
- $793,000 for Pascua Yaqui Tribe Modular Classrooms Construction
- $850,000 for Tohono O’odham Nation San Miguel Subdivision Road Improvement
- $1,100,000 for South Tucson Community and Housing Revitalization
“On behalf of the City of South Tucson we are very thankful and appreciative to Congressman Raul Grijalva for supporting this application. Congressman Grijalva’s dedication to marginalized communities is at the forefront of one of his many endeavors toward a better quality of life for all Arizonans. With this funding, we will be able to work towards preserving the unique culture of the City of South Tucson. A culture that is lost when residents, face costly home repairs and have no choice but to sell to investors. Aside from the emergency home repairs helping individuals, this community investment will target the problem of speculative investors displacing disadvantaged homeowners. These funds are also going to help us make necessary upgrades to our dilapidated buildings so that we can better serve our vulnerable community. Thank you for supporting us!” said the City of South Tucson.
“We are honored and humbled that our proposed project, South Tucson Paradise Motel and Community and Housing Revitalizationproject, will be included in the House Bill. If passed, it will go a long way towards co-creating family and community resilience in the City of South Tucson. In a community with 35.5% of its population below 100% of the poverty level, home revitalization may be the difference between residents staying in their homes or being displaced for inability make repairs. In addition, the Paradise Motel renovations will provide needed short-term stays for individuals and families, filling a gap that may otherwise lead to stays on the streets. We are so very thankful for Congressman Grijalva’s consideration and advocacy for the project. Congressman Grijalva continues to be an amazing ambassador for southern Arizona communities with a recognized need. We are eternally grateful for his tireless leadership,” said Tisha R. Tallman, CEO of the Primavera Foundation.
- $1,250,000 for City of Tucson Affordable & Mixed Income Transit Oriented Housing Development
“The need for affordable housing in our city has never been more urgent,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “I am grateful to Congressman Raúl Grijalva for selecting this project for investment. Our Mayor and Council have been clear that building more affordability is a priority for us. As we have laid out in the Housing Affordability Strategy for Tucson (HAST), we are committed to developing underutilized land to meet the pressing housing needs of our community. These funds will make a significant difference.”
“Thank you, Congressman Grijalva, for selecting this important Affordable and Mixed Income Transit-Oriented Housing Development project for federal funding,” said City Manager Tim Thomure. “This investment addresses Tucson’s critical housing needs and provides the City of Tucson funding that opens up opportunities for layered investments, enabling us to leverage additional resources and partnerships to maximize the impact on our residents.”
“The Speedway and Stone Development project is a significant piece of our $50 million HUD Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant,” said Director of Housing and Community Development Ann Chanecka. “Transit-oriented, affordable housing along this corridor is essential, offering future residents access to vital services like education and healthcare.”
- $1,000,000 for City of Tolleson Multi-Modal Path Lighting
“Tolleson is grateful to Congressman Grijalva for his support for the Multimodal Path that promises utility for our community to be able to walk, jog, bike and horseback ride during the early mornings or evening hours. The provision of accessible and safe recreational spaces is imperative, especially in a predominantly Hispanic population. Investment in walkable multi-modal paths not only addresses public health concerns, but also fosters a sense of community well-being and vitality. Thank you again to Congressman Grijalva for his steadfast support of our community,” said Tolleson Mayor Juan Rodriguez.
- $1,000,000 for City of Tucson & Pima County Regional Navigation Center
“Thank you, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, for investing federal resources to help the City of Tucson address the needs of our unhoused neighbors through the expansion of the Tucson/Pima County Regional Navigation Center,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “This center will help us provide needed services and promote housing permanency for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness in our region.”
“The need for a regional approach in addressing unsheltered homeless in our community is essential. Thank you, Representative Raúl Grijalva for recognizing this and funding the project,” said City Manager Tim Thomure. “Your continued support of the City of Tucson’s efforts to provide these services to our community is unmatched.”
- $250,000 for Santa Cruz County West Frontage Road at Yavapai Drive Intersection Improvements
Background
If the current federal funding proposed in the FY25 appropriations process passes, Rep. Grijalva will have secured $47,650,651 for Southern Arizona.
Totals include:
- FY 25 (tentative): $11,938,800
- FY 24: $15,208,569
- FY 23: $14,208,468
- FY 22: $6,294,814
The FY 25 community funding projects have been released by the House Appropriations Committee in bill text and must still be voted on by the House and Senate. Full descriptions of the projects can be found here.