Maricopa receives vital interest on the grade separation during a recent trip to Washington.

Maricopa, Ariz. (March 18, 2009) — On March 10, 2009, Mayor Anthony Smith, Councilmember Farrell and City Staffer Paul Jepson traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with key legislators regarding the City’s legislative agenda, which included the grade separation at State Route 347.

As the Federal government determines which key projects to fund through the Recovery and Restoration Act (Economic Stimulus Package), the Maricopa City Council decided to take action and tell they story of Maricopa. Mayor Smith and Councilmember Farrell went to Washington with the determination to jump start the grade separation project and seek funding for the project’s environmental and design studies.

During meetings with members of the Senate and House, including members of the Appropriations committees, U.S. Representatives Raul Grijalva, Ann Kirkpatrick, Ed Pastor and Harry Mitchell, Senator Jon Kyl, and Senator Jack Reed from Rhode Island, the Mayor and Councilmember discussed safety concerns and the potential for fatalities at the State Route 347 crossing of the Union Pacific rail line and that Federal action is needed to remedy this condition given the gravity of the situation, the scale of the solution required and the scarcity of alternative options.

“This is the time to take the necessary steps to eliminate a growing public safety risk and position Maricopa for future growth,” stated Mayor Smith.

After three days of meetings, Mayor Smith and Councilmember Farrell know that they have garnered support for the City of Maricopa. Congressman Grijalva committed to supporting this appropriation request through the legislative process. Grijalva had previously met with Councilmember Farrell and past Mayor Kelly Anderson in February 2008; he toured the City and understands first hand the situation in Maricopa. In addition, support at the federal level from key agencies and elected officials include; Representative Pastor’s office, Representative Kirkpatrick , Senator Reed, and the National Highway Administration, and National Railroad Administration.

After the conversations and meetings that we have had, I am confident that the public safety and environmental issues in Maricopa, regarding the grade separation, will be a priority,” Councilmember Edward Farrell exclaimed. “The City of Maricopa made great strides in Washington, and I am certain that this project will become a reality.”

This priority issue for Maricopa will continue to be addressed at both the Federal and State level with the assistance of Landry, Creedon and Associates, Inc., the firm contracted to push Maricopa’s legislative agenda forward.

“The grade separation project in Maricopa is an excellent opportunity for Federal spending or State allocations. It is a worthwhile endeavor that will save lives,” stated Mayor Smith. “This is not just a project of convenience.”