Tucson Standard

Graham County, AZ – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has successfully secured $3.3 million for Graham County in the recently passed FY24 appropriations package. Ciscomani emphasized the importance of diverse projects in the allocation of funds, stating, "Whether it’s funding for our first responders or recreational improvements, I prioritized projects of all sizes and in a variety of industries through our appropriations requests."

The funding will benefit two significant projects in Graham County, with $2 million allocated for a new fire station in the town of Pima and $1.3 million designated for upgrades to the Gila River Linear Park and Trail stretching between Safford and Thatcher. Terry Earp, Chief of the Town of Pima Fire Department, expressed gratitude for Ciscomani's advocacy, noting, “This will enable the town of Pima to build a critically needed fire station for a small rural fire department serving a large and expanding rural area that otherwise would not have the fire and emergency medical services our rural population relies on.”

Similarly, Michael Patrick, Senior Project Manager for Trust for Public Land, commended Ciscomani for his efforts in securing federal funding for the Gila River Trail, stating, “The Gila River is an incredibly important natural resource for Graham County and the communities of Safford and Thatcher. Creating public access to the river through the Gila River Trail will bring many economic, ecological, and outdoor recreation benefits to local residents.”

Overall, Congressman Ciscomani's dedication resulted in $26 million secured for 13 projects across Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, benefiting every county in the district. Ciscomani stands as the sole member of the Arizona delegation on the House Appropriations Committee, showcasing his commitment to advocating for various community needs and initiatives.