PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation requested prioritize funding for a bridge over Tonto Creek in Gila County.
“Residents need a bridge over Tonto Creek for basic safety and quality of life needs,” Governor Ducey said in the letter. “Since 1995 eight people have died while attempting to cross in their vehicles during high-water times; three children lost their lives while crossing in a vehicle the day after Thanksgiving less than two months ago.”
Ducey was referring to three children in the Rawlings family, who died after the truck they and six other family members were in became stuck Nov. 29 while trying to cross the creek.
According to the Governor’s Office, in December 2019, President Trump signed Fiscal Year 2020 spending bills that included $1 billion for the BUILD Grant program. In the letter, Governor Ducey explained that the Tonto Bridge would be an excellent candidate that would benefit the Tonto Basin’s safety efforts, quality of life and economic competitiveness.
“The Arizona Department of Transportation stands ready to provide technical review and assistance to Gila County through its BUILD Grant application,” Ducey wrote. “I look forward to offering my continued support.”