Spending package includes more than $125 million for Arizona projects

PHOENIX — Six federal spending bills were signed into law Saturday and include more than $125 million in funding for projects across Arizona.

Communities across the state are expected to see benefits in areas such as local law enforcement, flood control, rural western water supplies, military installations and more.

Lawmakers are negotiating a second package of six bills, including defense, in an effort to ensure all federal agencies are fully funded by the March 22 deadline, but the first six bills, covering $460 billion dollars, are over.

Democrats pushed back on most of the policy elements that Republicans sought to include in the package. For example, they rebuffed an attempt to block new rules expanding access to the abortion pill mifepristone. They were also able to fully fund a nutrition program for low-income women, infants and children, providing about $7 billion for what is known as the WIC program. This represents an increase of $1 billion from the previous year.

The Republicans managed to keep non-defense spending relatively stable compared to the previous year. Supporters say this is progress at a time when annual federal deficits topping $1 trillion have become the norm. But many Republican lawmakers sought much deeper cuts and more policy victories.

“I am proud to bring these federal investments to Arizona to support projects and priorities for our counties, cities and towns to make communities safer and healthier,” said U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Independent and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

How does the $125,887,493 from the new spending bills break down in Arizona?

– $6,086,000 for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and related agencies, such as $3.274 million for a fire station in Pinetop.

– $11,062,000 for business, legal, scientific and related agencies, including $3.52 million for a “wireless integrated radio network replacement project” in Pima County.

– $10,713,000 for energy and water development and related agencies, such as $3 million for a Clean Energy Materials Center at Arizona State University.

– $19,839,008 allocated to Interior, environmental and related agencies, including $2.25 million for a well and water treatment facility in Tucson.

– $25,900,000 for military construction, veterans affairs and related agencies, such as $8.9 million for a water treatment plant at a Marine Corps air station in Yuma.

– $52,287,485 for transportation, housing and urban development and related agencies, including $4 million for an affordable housing development in Tucson.

“After months of work with mayors, law enforcement and community leaders, I am proud to announce these important investments in Arizona communities,” said U.S. Senator Mark Kelly. “From upgrading roads and water infrastructure to giving law enforcement and firefighters the tools they need to keep communities safe, these investments will ensure we remain the best state for live, work and raise a family.

The full breakdown of investments across Arizona is available online.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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