Committee on Rural Economic Development Report of Regular Meeting

Summary

A Report of Regular Meeting of the Committee on Rural Economic Development of the Arizona House of Representatives, Fifty-seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session, for the meeting of Thursday, March 19, 2026 in House Hearing Room 4. It records that the committee convened at 9:02 A.M. and adjourned at 9:54 A.M., lists the members present and not present, and notes presentations on the East Woolford Road Extension in Show Low by Mayor John Leech and on the Lost Dutchman Mine in Goldfield by Representative Martinez. The committee gave SB1272, an appropriation for the Douglas port of entry, a do-pass recommendation by a vote of 6-0-0-1. Attachments include the agenda, attendance record, roll call vote, a fiscal note, and a project overview seeking $6,500,000 in state funding with a $7,560,000 local match for a $14,060,000 total, with letters of support.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

Full text

ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

COMMITTEE ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Report of Regular Meeting
Thursday, March 19, 2026
House Hearing Room 4 -- 9:00 A.M.

Convened 9:02 A.M.
Recessed 9:33
Reconvened 9:35
Adjourned 9:54 A.M.

Members Present

Representative Blackman
Representative Pena

Representative Peshlakai
Representative Volk

Representative Lopez, Vice-Chairman
Representative Martinez, Chairman

Agenda
Original Agenda — Attachment 1

Request to Speak
Report — Attachment 2

Committee Attendance
Report ~ Attachment 3

RECEIVED
CHIEF CLERKS OFFICE

MAR 23 2026

Members Not Present

Representative Biasiucci
Representative Hernandez

Presentations
Name Organization Attachments (Handouts)
East Woolford Road Mayor John Leech 4
Extension, Show Low
Lost Dutchman Mine, Representative Martinez
Goldfield
Committee Action
Bill Action Vote Attachments
SB1272. DP 6-0-0-1 5,6

Lh, Vita! , a)

Veronica Graham, Committee : Secretary
March 20, 2026

(Original attachments on file in the Office of the Chief Clerk; video archives available at http:/Avww.azleg.gov)

COMMITTEE ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

March 19, 2026
REVISED - 3/18/26 REVISED - 3/18/26 REVISED - 3/18/26
Convened 9:02

ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Adjourned 9:

Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

COMMITTEE ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DATE Thursday, March 19, 2026 ROOM HHR4 TIME 9:00 A.M.

Members of the public may access a livestream of the meeting here:
https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?clientID=636 1 162879&eventID=202603 1094

Members: y
Representative Biasiueci Representative Pefia Representative Lopez, Vice-Chairman
Representative Blackman Representative Peshlakai Representative Martinez, Chairman

Representative Hernandez C Representative Volk

e Presentations:
o East Woolford Road Extension, Show Low, LD 7, Mayor John Leech
o Lost Dutchman Mine, Goldfield, LD 7, Rep. Martinez

Bills Short Title Strike Everything Title

SB1272 AB, appropriation; Douglas port of entry
- (Gowan: Diaz, Griffin)

b-0-( )- RED, APPROP, RULES

ORDER OF BILLS TO BE SET BY THE CHAIRMAN

VC
03H32026
03/18/2026

People with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations such as interpreters, alternative formats, or
assistance with physical accessibility. If you require accommodations, please contact the Chief Clerk's Office at
(602) 926-3032 or through Arizona Relay Service 7-1-1.

Page 1 of 1
g Attachment

=
Information Registered on the Request to Speak System

House Rural Economic Development (3/19/2026)

$B1272, appropriation; Douglas port of entry

Support:
Brian Murray, CITY OF DOUGLAS

Attachment A
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Please PRINT Clearly

Committee on A AM : BillNumber /-¢ 72
Date S-(1-.20 | Support -Q Oppose O Neutral
Name Nose be r\a [, A ; Need to Speak? OYes ONo

Representing Lily of. Woceg ass Are you a registered lobbyist? MM -
. 7 a
Complete Address /QQ0D1~~* SI Noceg les At
r = 7 t —
E-mail Address oy «ep s(n 4A doug 4, AL PhoneNumber $90 9SSS“4C
J pe % .

Comments:

“FT VE-MINUTE SPEAKING LIMIT***
ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE

Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE RECORD

COMMITTEE ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CHAIRMAN: Teresa Martinez VICE-CHAIRMAN: | Chris Lopez
DATE 03/19/26
CONVENED q.02
RECESSED q.34
RECONVENED 4.35
ADJOURNED Q'S)

MEMBERS PRESENT NOT PRESENT

Blackman

VA

Hernandez C

Pefia

Peshlakai

Volk

Lopez, Vice-Chairman

\IS NIN

Martinez, Chairman

TOTAL \o |

Attachment_3 __
East Woolford Road Extension

Project Overview

Woolford Road currently serves as a bypass from US-60 and SR-260
through Show Low, AZ. This corridor has the highest Average Daily
Traffic (ADT) for a roadway section in the White Mountains region of Ar-
izona that is not a state highway, seeing 17,165 vehicles per day in 2022.

The East Woolford Road Extension project will fund the construction of
approximately 1 mile of new roadway, extending the existing road from
its current terminus at SR-260 to South Penrod Road, as well as turn
lanes on Penrod Rd safely connecting the new and existing road-ways.
The new roadway segment will provide an additional regional option
for traffic to access the major State highways in the area through
construction of a roadway extension and bridge across Show Low
Creek, thereby decreasing congestion on nearby roadways and allow
the City of Show Low to accommodate for growth both within the city
and across the region.

This connection will also provide the only Show Low Creek crossing in
the City of Show Low's city limits that will be able to handle a 100-year
base flood event, constituting a major increase to the community's resil-
ience, mobility, and safety in an emergency. This project also improves
access to the Show Low Bluff Subdivision, a community with 400+
platted residential lots and plans to support another 2,000 residential
units at buildout, and provides a major connection to the communities
of Pinetop, Snowflake, and Springerville. Extension of East Woolford
Road allows the City of Show Low to better connect itself to the White
Mountains region, and at the same time be proactive and build stron-
ger infrastructural supports for an increasing number of residents.

This project is already fully designed and shovel-ready, and requests
$6,500,000 to pair with a local match fund of $7,560,000 to complete
the project. This project was voted as a regional priority by elected
officials of over 20 northern Arizona cities and towns who comprise
NACOG's Regional Council on August 28, 2025.

Vicinity Map & Site Photo

Project Lead

City of Show Low, Arizona

‘") Project Schedule

Construction in 2026

9 Project Cost

State Funding Request: $6,500,000
Local Contribution: $7,560,000
Total Project Cost: $14,060,000

| @ Contact Info

Christopher "Chris" Reid
City Engineer, Show Low
928-532-4090
creed@showlowaz.gov

lon Location

City of Show Low
Navajo County

AZ Legislative District 7
NACOG Region

Northern Arizona dis
Council of Governments u

Apache * Coconino + Navajo + Yavapai

SAY [21JU95 N

W.Whipple St

- —— =
— oe

7]

Li fp his <-<——" 4 “{
Wis SWY77 RASS DP a
t a) —- —"

Se

i Sa SS aetachment
A Summit Healthcare

Association

February 26, 2026

City of Show Low

Attn: Christopher “Chris” Reid, City Engineer
180 N, 9th Street

Show Low, AZ 85901

RE; Letter of Support — East Woolford Road Extension Project
Dear Mr, Reid and Grant Review Committee,

On behalf of Summit Healthcare Association (SHA), lam pleased to provide our strong support for the City of Show
Low’s East Woolford Road Extension Project. As the organization operating Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center
(SHRMC), the primary hospital and emergency care provider for Show Low and the surrounding Navajo County region,
we recognize this project as a critical investment in public safety, emergency response, and healthcare access for our

rural and rapidly growing community.

From a healthcare perspective, reliable roadway infrastructure is directly linked to patient outcomes, particularly in rural
areas where travel distances and response times significantly impact survival, recovery, and continuity of care. Timely
access routes are essential for EMS transport, emergency response, and patient access to life-saving services.

The 2023 Navajo County Community Health Assessment (CHA), developed with participation from SHA and regional
partners, identifies injury and mortality—including accidental injuries and motor vehicle accidents—as key health
concerns affecting our community. We regularly treat patients impacted by motor vehicle collisions, delayed emergency
response, and transportation barriers that increase the severity of injuries and strain emergency and trauma services.

The Project will strengthen regional emergency infrastructure by improving EMS transport efficiency, enhancing access
for fire and law enforcement personnel, and providing a critical alternative route during roadway closures, disasters, and
wildfire evacuations. Given the heavy utilization of SR-260 and ongoing regional growth, additional route redundancy is
essential to maintaining safe and reliable access to emergency medical care.

Improved transportation access supports not only emergency care, but also preventive services, specialty care, and
follow-up treatment—key priorities identified in the CHA related to healthcare access and social determinants of health

in Navajo County.

As a rural healthcare system serving a geographically dispersed and medically underserved population, SHA strongly
supports infrastructure investments that enhance safety, resilience, and timely access to medical care. This Project
represents a strategic and high-impact investment that will improve community health, emergency preparedness, and
overall quality of life,

For these reasons, Summit Healthcare Association fully supports the City of Show Low’s grant application and
respectfully encourages favorable funding consideration for this important public safety and infrastructure project.

William C. Gardner, MSN, MBA, HCM, RN
Chief Executive Officer

SHOW LOW CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE & TOURISM
INFORMATION CENTER

81 E Deuce of Clubs
Show Low, AZ 85901
928.537.2326
showlowchamber.com

February 26, 2026
Letter of Support - Woolford Road Expansion

To Whom It May Concern:

The Show Low Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer its strong support for the East
Woolford Road Extension Project proposed by the City of Show Low. This project
represents a critical enhancement to the region’s transportation network and will deliver
meaningful benefits for public safety, emergency response, and community access.

One of the most significant benefits of the East Woolford Road extension is its role in
wildfire evacuation. Our region regularly faces the threat of fast-moving wildfires, and
additional evacuation routes are essential to protecting lives. By creating another east-
west corridor, this project will reduce congestion, ease bottlenecks, and provide residents
with multiple safe evacuation options during emergency situations.

The extension will also improve everyday emergency response. Fire, medical, and law-
enforcement personnel depend on reliable and efficient road networks to reach residents
quickly. This project will shorten travel distances and reduce response times, particularly
for the Show Low Bluff subdivision and surrounding neighborhoods. In emergencies
where every minute matters, this improvement is both necessary and impactful.

NAVAJO COUNTY

Board of Supervisors
Fern Benally * Alberto L. Peshlakai *Jason E. Whiting * Daryl Seymore * Dawnafe Whitesinger

“We are Navajo County”

March 2, 2026
To Whom it May Concern,

The Navajo County Board of Supervisors expresses its strong support for the East Woolford Road
Extension Project proposed by the City of Show Low. Identified by the Northern Arizona Council
of Governments (NACOG) as the #1 regional transportation priority and backed by a significant
local funding match, this project represents a high-value, locally driven investment in critical
infrastructure.

The extension of East Woolford Road will play a critical role in relieving congestion on State
Route 260, one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors. SR 260 frequently experiences
delays, closures, and bottlenecks due to high traffic volumes, collisions, and weather-related
incidents. Providing an additional east-west connection will improve traffic flow, reduce travel
times, and create a more resilient transportation network for daily commuters, visitors, and
emergency services.

The project delivers major public safety benefits by creating an additional emergency access route
that improves response times for fire, medical, and law enforcement personnel and enhances access
to the local hospital. It also provides a crucial evacuation corridor during wildfire or flooding
events, expanding regional evacuation capacity and reducing reliance on a single highway.

By improving connectivity between Show Low and the surrounding communities of
Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake-Taylor, and Springerville-Eagar, the extension supports long-term
economic growth and regional development. As the area continues to grow, strategic transportation
investments like this are essential to maintaining safety, mobility, and quality of life.

The Navajo County Board of Supervisors fully endorses the East Woolford Road Extension Project

and affirms its importance to the long-term safety, resilience, and economic vitality of Navajo
County and the greater White Mountains region.

Sincerely

aryl ore, Chairman
Navajo County Board of Supervisors

° 928.524.4053 ° Fax: 928.524.4239 © P.O, Box 668 ¢ Holbrook, AZ 86025 ¢

Navajo County - For Official Use Only ° wWwWw.navajocountyaz.gov ®

0
TIMBER MESA FIRE & MEDICAL DISTRICT
WWW .TIMBERMESAFIRE.ORG

February 23, 2026
To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to express my strong support for the East Woolford Road Extension Project
proposed by the City of Show Low. This project represents a critical improvement to the region’s
transportation network and will provide significant public-safety, emergency-response, and
community-access benefits.

One of the most important advantages of the East Woolford Road extension is its value during
wildfire evacuations. Our region is no stranger to fast-moving fires, and having additional
evacuation routes is essential for protecting lives. By creating another east-west corridor, the
extension would help reduce bottlenecks, improve traffic flow, and ensure residents have more
than one viable path out of harm’s way during emergency events.

The project also strengthens everyday emergency response capabilities. Fire, medical, and
law-enforcement personnel rely on efficient road networks to reach residents quickly. The East
Woolford Road extension would shorten travel distances and reduce response times, particularly
for the Show Low Bluff subdivision and surrounding neighborhoods. In situations where minutes
can make the difference, this improvement is both meaningful and necessary.

Additionally, the extension provides a valuable alternative route when SR-260 becomes
congested or blocked due to motor-vehicle collisions or other incidents. SR-260 is a heavily
traveled corridor, and closures can leave residents and emergency services with limited options.
An additional route would help maintain mobility, reduce delays, and improve overall
transportation resilience for the community.

For these reasons, I fully support the East Woolford Road Extension Project and believe it will
provide long-term safety, mobility, and quality-of-life benefits for the City of Show Low, the
Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District and its residents.

Sincerely,

Fire Chief

COMMUNITY - EMPATHY - EMPOWERMENT - EXCELLENCE —-PROFESSIONALISM
ADMIN: (928) 537-5100 Fax (928) 368-5643 TRAINING: (928) 537-5123
3561 E. DEUCE OF CLUBS SHOW Low, AZ 85901
v * BUSINESS OWNERS «
a
gL ROUNDTABLE sy

February 26, 2026

To Whom it May Concern:

Subject: Woolford Road Expansion Project

The White Mountain Business Owners Roundtable respectfully submits this
letter in strong support of the East Woolford Road Extension Project proposed
by the City of Show Low. This project represents a strategic investment in the
region’s transportation infrastructure and will deliver substantial, long-term
benefits related to public safety, emergency response capability, community
connectivity, and economic development.

A primary and immediate benefit of the East Woolford Road extension is its
critical function as an additional evacuation route during wildfire events. The
White Mountains region continues to face elevated risk from fast-moving
wildfires, and the availability of multiple, reliable evacuation corridors is essential
to safeguarding residents, visitors, and first responders. By establishing an
additional east-west connection, the project will reduce congestion, mitigate
evacuation bottlenecks, and materially enhance the community’s ability to
respond effectively during emergency situations.

The project will also significantly improve routine emergency response times.
Fire, medical, and law-enforcement agencies rely on direct and dependable
transportation networks to provide timely services. The East Woolford Road
extension will shorten travel distances and improve route redundancy,
particularly for the Show Low Bluff area and surrounding neighborhoods,
enabling faster and more reliable access for emergency personnel. In time-
sensitive incidents, these improvements will contribute directly to improved
public safety outcomes.

In addition to its public safety benefits, the Woolford Road expansion will serve
as a catalyst for sustained economic development by significantly improving
access and mobility in the surrounding area. Enhanced connectivity will reduce
travel times, improve traffic flow, and strengthen links to regional corridors and
community amenities in Show Low. These improvements will increase the area’s
viability as a regional destination, supporting the growth of complementary
commercial activity, including lodging, dining, retail, and service-oriented
businesses. The resulting private investment is expected to generate new
employment opportunities, expand the local tax base, and contribute to long-
term economic vitality. .

For these reasons, the White Mountain Business Owners Roundtable strongly
endorses the East Woolford Road Extension Project and affirms that it will
provide measurable, enduring benefits to public safety, transportation efficiency,
economic development, and overall quality of life for the City of Show Low, the
Show Low Police Department, the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District, and
the residents and businesses throughout the region.

Sincerely,
(hy poling 928.242.0680 [LW
White Mountain Business Owners Roundtable wmbortaz@gmail.com 9X

Board President

Show Low, Arizona 9
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff
Senate: ATT DPA 6-3-1-0 | Third Read: 24-5-1-0-0

SB 1272: appropriation; Douglas port of entry
Sponsor: Senator Gowan, LD 19
Committee on Rural Economic Development

Overview

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the state General Fund (GF) to the state Treasurer in FY 2027
for the state match of the Douglas Port of Entry and allows expenditures to be made upon
the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) award of $678,000,000 for the Douglas Port
of Entry.

History
The U.S. GSA was established in 1947 to act as the mandatory, government-wide source for

the procurement of goods and services and the acquisition, management, and disposal of real
property. GSA oversees approximately 12,600 employees and a budget of $16 billion (U.S.

GSA, Library of Congress).

GSA's structure may be divided into four categories: 1) services; 2) independent offices; 3)
regional offices; and 4) staff offices. A majority of the agency's staff and responsibilities are
encompassed by its two services offices: the Federal Acquisition Services, which administers
its purchasing programs, and the Public Building Service, which manages its real property
programs. GSA also encompasses two independent offices, the Office of the Inspector General
and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, along with 11 regional offices and 12 staff offices.
Regional offices assist federal agencies located around the country with the procurement of
goods and services and the acquisition of real property, whereas staff offices handle internal

administrative duties (U.S. GSA, Library of Congress).

The primary duties of the State Treasurer are to receive and hold all monies belonging to
Arizona that are not required to be kept by some other person, to keep an account of all
monies received and disbursed and to keep separate accounts of the funds and appropriations
of monies. Other key functions include paying warrants of the Arizona Department of
Administration, supporting the financial literacy of Arizonans and administering the AZ529
plan, Arizona's education savings plan. Statute designates the Treasurer to invest state
monies and administer local government investment pools (A.R.S. §§ 41-172, 35-313, 35-326).

Provisions
1, Appropriates $5,000,000 from the state GF to the state Treasurer in FY 2027 for
distribution to the City of Douglas for the state match of the Douglas Port of Entry. (Sec.

1)

2. Stipulates the appropriation may be spent only if the GSA provides an award of
$678,000,000 for the Douglas Port of Entry. (Sec. 1)

O Prop 105 (45 votes) DF Prop 108 (40 votes) [1 Emergency (40 votes) Ui Fiscal Note

Initials PB/AI SB 1272
3/17/2026 Page 1 Rural Economic Development

Attachment_
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

ROLL CALL VOTE
COMMITTEE ON Rural Economic Development BILLNO. $B 1272
DATE March 19, 2026 MOTION: Dt

PASS AYE NAY PRESENT | ABSENT
Blackman Zz
Hernandez C SF V4
Pena S ,
Peshlakai a
Volk v
Lopez, Vice-Chairman Ve
Martinez, Chairman 4

nonital haba

‘APPROVED: )

TU

TERESA MARTINEZ, Chairman
CHRIS LOPEZ, Vice-Chairman

#

f
J

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

ATTACHMENT. (Q

File and source

File

2026-03-19_rural-economic-development-minutes.pdf

Size

3,608,458 bytes

SHA-256

c0840e56d620975eef07d24647d72da2cd8277765fa68a73a8f600b001d0f4a4

Our copy

2026-03-19_rural-economic-development-minutes.pdf

Original

www.azleg.gov