Maricopa resident Vincent Manfredi says people in the city consistently put transportation at the top of their list, pointing to safer roads, shorter commutes and better access in and out of town.
In a letter to the editor published by InMaricopa, Manfredi said he has spent years working with state leaders, ADOT and regional partners to move those priorities into funded projects. He said progress has been made on the widening of State Route 347, but more work is still needed.
Manfredi wrote that many decisions affecting Maricopa’s roads are made outside City Hall through county plans, regional committees, state programs and coordination with tribal governments. He said that is why he has made it a priority to represent Maricopa in groups including Central Arizona Governments, the Pinal Regional Transportation Authority, the Rural Transportation Advocacy Council, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns transportation committee and the Maricopa Association of Governments Transportation Policy Committee.
He said those assignments give Maricopa a voice in regional transportation planning and funding decisions. According to Manfredi, the SR 347 widening shows why that work matters, since the project has required coordination among local, county, regional and state partners, along with the Gila River Indian Community.
Manfredi also said future projects such as Riggs Road improvements, new interchanges and alternate routes will require continued planning and support. He said the goal is to keep Maricopa’s needs in the conversation as transportation decisions are made.
