Governor Katie Hobbs Announces First GADA Investments in Rural Infrastructure in over 10 Years

Projects to improve emergency access, water systems, and economic development are first investments of Governor’s relaunched Greater Arizona Development Authority

Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced $1.4 million in financing for public infrastructure projects in three rural communities. The Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) granted funding to the Town of Superior, Apache County’s Escudilla Mountain Domestic Water Improvement District (DWID), and the City of Winslow to support the construction of a bridge for emergency access, the design of a community water system, and the development of land for industrial growth. The projects represent the first funded by GADA since 2014.

Last year, Governor Hobbs reactivated GADA, a program of the Arizona Finance Authority and part of the Office of Economic Opportunity, to facilitate economic development and infrastructure improvements throughout rural Arizona. 

“We are bringing the Arizona Promise to life in rural communities across Arizona,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “When I reactivated GADA last year, I knew it would become a vital resource for communities that have been overlooked. These projects address critical infrastructure needs while creating pathways to economic growth and community safety. Every Arizonan, regardless of their zip code, deserves reliable infrastructure that connects them to opportunity.”

To receive funding, municipalities submit detailed applications outlining their infrastructure needs, project plans, and how the improvements would benefit their communities. The program provides access to low-interest financing for the construction and development of essential community projects.

“GADA is helping Arizona’s cities and towns navigate the complex financing process, providing both technical expertise and financial resources that might otherwise be out of reach,” said GADA Board Chair Robin Romano. “By offering low-interest loans and technical assistance funds, we're empowering communities to address their most pressing infrastructure needs while building capacity for future growth and development.”

The Town of Superior received $1.3 million for the Panther Bridge project, which will enable residents to access work and school without relying on detour routes while also improving response times for the Town’s fire and emergency medical services. The bonding plays a critical role in making the $3.5 million bridge project possible.

“This financial loan will help Superior update critical infrastructure by building a bridge that provides better access to our town's firehouse,” said Todd Pryor, Town Manager for Superior. “This investment will ensure reliable emergency response times during all weather conditions and strengthen our infrastructure for decades to come. The new bridge creates a lasting solution that improves safety and accessibility for our entire community.”

Escudilla Mountain DWID received $40,000 in technical assistance for engineering and design of a community standpipe in Apache County.

“The technical assistance loan will help Escudilla Mountain DWID engineer and design a community standpipe that builds on our tight-knit community's collaborative efforts,” said David Knobbe, Chairman of Escudilla Mountain DWID. “Our residents have worked together for years to address our water needs, and this funding provides a modern, long-term solution that will serve generations to come. This project represents the next step in our community's progress toward sustainable infrastructure.”

The City of Winslow received $100,000 in technical assistance for preconstruction engineering and design of a levee critical to the industrial area.

“This technical assistance loan will provide preconstruction engineering and design for a levee which will create more opportunities for economic development by making the land usable for industrial development,” said David Coolidge, City Manager of Winslow. “Currently, this valuable land sits on a floodplain. This investment will transform unusable space into an economic engine for our community.”

From 1997 to 2014, GADA supported 84 projects statewide by issuing $574 million in bonds for rural community projects, including firehouses, community centers, libraries, and transportation improvements. As a state infrastructure bank for rural and Tribal communities, GADA pledges its funds as collateral to unlock bonding for cities and towns that lack access to traditional capital markets, while covering up to 50 percent of closing costs.

GADA plans to expand its impact across Arizona. The program aims to finance up to $60 million in projects within the next year alone, focusing on essential infrastructure like transportation, clean energy, water supply, and workforce training facilities. GADA will continue to prioritize communities that have historically lacked access to affordable financing options. 

Learn more about GADA’s technical and financial assistance opportunities for rural and Tribal communities here.

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