Arizona DOT looks to federal funding for I-10 expansion

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is seeking federal grant money to supplement state funds for the Interstate 10 expansion between Chandler and Casa Grande. The agency is seeking a grant for $300 million.

ADOT has applied for the funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The federal grant would supplement the $400 million state appropriation signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey earlier this month. The commitment of state dollars made ADOT eligible to apply for the federal competitive grant.

Construction is funded in part by Proposition 400, a dedicated half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004.

ADOT is collaborating closely with the Gila River Indian Community and Maricopa Association of Governments on the I-10 project, and the grant application has also gained the support of the Arizona congressional delegation, state legislators and local and regional elected officials.

“This project is essential for Arizona to enhance the safety and traffic capacity of I-10 with the added benefit of positively impacting our economy,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Interstate 10 is a Key Economic Corridor. Commercial traffic on I-10 carries significant numbers of products and commodities, many of which are manufactured or produced right here in Arizona. These critical items reach every corner of the United States and internationally.”

The grant award announcement is expected this fall. An engineering and environmental study for the project is underway in cooperation with the Gila River Indian Community and Maricopa Association of Governments. There will be a public hearing for the project this summer.

Following completion of required environmental review and clearance, the project is expected to start in 2023. If the federal money is not awarded to the state, ADOT will maximize the use of available dollars for lane expansion.

Target completion date for the full project is 2026.