Sinema Holds Discussion with Valley Leaders on Infrastructure Wins, Expanding East Valley Economic Opportunities

Feb 14, 2022

Senator discussed economic growth opportunities in East Valley cities and towns, shared key wins for the region from the bipartisan infrastructure law she co-authored and negotiated

WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema held a discussion last week with local East Valley leaders on the growing economic opportunities in the region, and how her bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – which she championed into law – will further strengthen economic growth in the East Valley.
 
“Economic opportunities keep growing in the East Valley, and I’m proud the investments from our bipartisan infrastructure law will provide the necessary foundation to keep creating jobs and fueling growth,” said Sinema, co-author and negotiator of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law.
 
East Valley cities and towns are some of Maricopa County’s most rapidly growing in the state, resulting in significant infrastructure needs and challenges. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – historic legislation that Sinema wrote, negotiated, and championed into law – will support the needs of the East Valley and further strengthen these communities with lasting economic opportunities.
 
Participants in the roundtable include Mesa Mayor John Giles, Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke, Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson, Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney, Maricopa County Supervisor Jack Sellers, Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin, Phoenix-Mesa Airport Director Brian O’Neil, and John Lewis and Mike Hutchinson with the East Valley Partnership.
 
Sinema’s infrastructure law provides $110 billion to repair bridges and roads, and build major highway projects, including unsafe rural roads. This historic law is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. 
 
In January, Sinema announced $45 million will be heading to Arizona this year from her bipartisan infrastructure law to help repair and replace over 130 bridges in poor condition across the state. This historic funding will total $225 million over five years.
 
Sinema led negotiations with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, eight other Senators—four from each party—and the White House to craft the legislation. 
 
The bipartisan infrastructure law was supported by groups including The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, The National Association of Manufacturers, The AFL-CIO, The National Retail Federation, The Bipartisan Policy Center, North America’s Building Trades Unions, The Outdoor Industry Association, The American Hotel and Lodging Association, The National Education Association, as well as hundreds of mayors across all 50 states.