A recent decision by President Trump to stop federal funds for some projects could cause a delay in plans to expand the I-10 highway in Arizona. This project is important for improving the drive between Phoenix and southern and central Arizona, but the uncertainty now could push the state to pay at least $95 million more in costs.
What Happened?
On January 20, shortly after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order to pause the release of funds approved for various projects under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These acts included billions in federal money for projects like highway expansions.
Congressman Greg Stanton noticed this and wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation to ask if the funds for the I-10 widening project would still be available. The plan to widen 26 miles of the I-10 between Chandler and Casa Grande to three lanes in each direction is already in progress. It’s a project that costs over $1 billion, and $95 million of that was supposed to come from federal funds.
How Will This Affect Arizona?
The state Department of Transportation relies on these federal funds to help cover the costs of the I-10 widening. If the funding isn’t released, Arizona may have to find the money elsewhere. Lawmakers are watching closely, and state representatives like Rep. Teresa Martinez are keeping hope that the funding issue will be resolved soon.
However, Martinez, a Republican from Casa Grande, emphasized that if the federal funding doesn’t come through, Arizona taxpayers may need to pay more for the project. She’s confident that the I-10 expansion will happen, even if the state has to fund it instead of the federal government.
Political Reactions
State lawmakers are divided on how to handle the situation. Some, like Sen. T.J. Shope, believe that the issue is still unclear, and it’s too early to panic. He thinks there is enough time for the federal government to figure things out.
Gov. Katie Hobbs, who announced the $95 million grant for the project last year, is also seeking clarification on the executive order. She believes that Trump’s order is aimed more at energy projects like electric vehicle charging stations rather than highway expansion.
Why Is the I-10 Project Important?
The I-10 widening is crucial for Arizona’s growth. It connects many important areas and helps people travel to work, especially in regions like Casa Grande, where around 60% of workers commute to Phoenix. Expanding the highway is not just about improving traffic flow—it’s about making life easier for people across the state.
Even if the federal funding doesn’t come through, Arizona lawmakers are committed to finding a way to finish the project. In the past, the state has already spent $400 million to get things started, showing how much they value this highway.
What Happens Next?
As things stand, the widening project is still on track, but the question is how much Arizona will need to spend to make it happen. Lawmakers and government officials are waiting for more clarity about the funding, but they all agree that the I-10 expansion is essential for the state.
If the federal funds don’t come, Arizona will step up, and the project will move forward using state dollars. The people of Arizona, especially those who depend on the I-10 every day, are counting on it.
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