Photo: Rob Gallucci/Sierra Vista Live
U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani met with Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa and Tombstone Mayor Dusty Escapule Thursday to discuss federal funding for infrastructure projects in Cochise County. As part of the FY 2025 appropriations package, Ciscomani has provisionally secured $7.98 million in federal funds for two major projects in Sierra Vista and Tombstone.
Project Map
One of the key projects receiving funding is the Buffalo Soldier Trail Reconstruction in Sierra Vista. The $7 million allocated for this project will allow the city to proceed with Phase II of the road replacement effort. The road, which has not been repaved in 20 years, will now undergo critical improvements that build on previous funding efforts. Ciscomani had already secured $3.79 million for Phase I of the Buffalo Soldier Trail Reconstruction project earlier this year. Together with the new $7 million allocation for Phase II, the city is making significant progress on its road improvement efforts.
“We are thrilled that Representative Ciscomani was able to include funding for the Buffalo Soldier Trail Reconstruction project in this appropriations bill, and grateful for his continued support for local projects that significantly impact our residents and the soldiers on Fort Huachuca,” said Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa.
Sierra Vista’s Capital Improvement Plan & Development Manager Irene Zuniga said the project will be administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation. There has not been a project profile started since it is in the preliminary stages.
In Tombstone, nearly $989,786 was secured to revitalize the city’s water reclamation facility. The plant, which is over 50 years old, is in desperate need of upgrades to its aging equipment. This funding will replace outdated components, ensuring the continued health and well-being of both residents and the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Tombstone each year.
“This critical upgrade is vital for the health and well-being of our community and the half-million tourists who visit us each year,” said Tombstone Mayor Dustin Escapule. “These improvements will cut the daily maintenance costs and help the operators maintain a safe and efficient plant.”
The funding for these projects was provisionally awarded through Congressman Ciscomani’s Community Project Funding (CPF) requests. This comes on the heels of earlier secured funding for another important project in Cochise County. In Willcox, Northern Cochise Community Hospital was awarded $859,000 for structural upgrades to the hospital’s main entrance and emergency department. The upgrades include modernizing the 50-year-old awnings, which are currently too small for modern ambulances and vehicles, often resulting in accidents.
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Local coverage is supported by MC Cattle Company: Providing Beef from Arizona Raised Cattle, Packed in Cochise County
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