City and county officials on July 2 described a years‑long effort that has pushed improvements to State Route 347 — a major north‑south corridor through Maricopa — onto the Arizona Department of Transportation’s five‑year plan by combining local dollars and state project prioritization.

Supervisor Richard Vialaito (Rich) told the board that the city of Maricopa raised a half‑cent sales tax that produced roughly $30 million, and Pinal County supervisors committed $20 million — together providing $50 million in local matching funds intended to change ADOT project rankings. The combined local support was presented to ADOT as part of an effort to fund widening, intersection improvements and a Riggs Road overpass on SR‑347.

Why it matters: SR‑347 is a primary corridor for commuters, emergency services and commercial traffic in northern Pinal County. County and city leaders said the corridor has a high crash rate and that local contributions can attract state investment under ADOT’s project‑prioritization rules.

Officials’ testimony and statistics: Supervisor Vialaito said Maricopa has grown rapidly — from roughly 1,200 residents to about 80,000 in two decades — and described a heavy accident toll. He cited 270 accidents in 2023 and said the corridor averages more than 100 injuries per year. Vialaito said the city and county’s combined local commitment can change ADOT’s schedule and accelerate critical safety work.

Public process and timing: Vialaito said ADOT’s statewide five‑year planning process requires inclusion on its list to receive construction funding and that the next steps include the completion of design and a likely construction window in the next 18 months to two years for major pieces such as an overpass and repaving segments. He warned that delays in pavement preservation make later work more expensive.

Reaction from the board: supervisors thanked city leaders and other stakeholders for the coordinated funding effort. The county’s involvement, including the $20 million commitment, was described as pivotal to moving the projects forward.

(Reporting for this item: Supervisor Richard Vialaito; local leaders and Maricopa delegations referenced.)