In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona has requested the prioritization of funding for a new bridge over Tonto Creek, in his state’s Gila County.
It is not the first time federal funding has been sought for the effort, but it is the first time the governor has gotten involved. Previous efforts were undertaken by Gila County itself, but all were denied–and the latest denial came mere weeks before the deaths of three children stranded in the creek.
“Residents need a bridge over Tonto Creek for basic safety and quality of life needs,” Ducey said in the letter. “Since 1995, eight people have died while attempting to cross in their vehicles during high-water times; three children lost their lives while crossing in a vehicle the day after Thanksgiving less than two months ago.”
Tonto Creek divides a region known as the Tonto Basin, a 1,500 resident community. Flooding is a common issue there with wide-reaching ramifications. The community’s homes are on the east side, but its schools, medical care, and amenities are on the west side. In 2017, high waters closed the only roads across the creek for 75 days, severing access to critical functions. In the November incident to which Ducey referred, high waters also stranded a family vehicle, resulting in the drowning of the three children.
While offering the Arizona Department of Transportation to help Gila County make an application to the BUILD Grant program, Ducey noted that he was encouraged at their current prospects, thanks to a $1 billion allotment issued to the BUILD program for 2020.