Town staff presented a conceptual transportation program on Jan. 13 centered on a Plant Road low‑flow crossing of the Gila River and a looped connection that would link Hunt Highway, Pinnell Parkway (SR‑79) and Ranch View/Main Street.

"We have an opportunity here where we can… lease our mining rights to the aggregate companies, or work out a deal where aggregate companies provide material and we can build a road," Public Works Director Andy Smith said, outlining a program of projects he has labeled the Poston Butte Loop. Smith recommended issuing a request for information/request for innovation to gauge private‑sector interest in alternative delivery, public‑private partnerships and in‑kind contributions of aggregate material.

Staff said much of the right‑of‑way is town‑owned at the west end of town near the Windmill Winery and that aggregate companies and other developers expressed interest in corridor improvements as growth increases. Smith highlighted local traffic growth and a need for redundancy: "In the town of Florence, it has grown to 30% in just 1 year," he said, noting congestion and emergency response time benefits from additional connections.

Council members asked staff to ensure projects link to Main Street access and to coordinate with planned state and county projects, the Gila River Indian Community and regional funding programs. Several councilors voiced support for pursuing innovative delivery and private contributions; staff said it will return with a scope, possible RFI language and options for funding, including exploring ADOT priority funds and other sources.

The discussion was conceptual; no funding commitments or formal approvals were made. Staff sought direction to continue developing the concept and the council indicated consensus for staff to proceed with further scoping and outreach.