Investments will help cities, counties, and Tribal communities replace aging infrastructure and keep families safe

WASHINGTON - Today, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly announced that they secured $32,121,000 in federal investments for Arizona projects supporting local law enforcement, flood control efforts, and western rural water priorities. The funding was secured as part of a bipartisan three-bill government funding package covering the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment agencies for fiscal year 2026 that passed the Senate and is heading to be signed into law.

"I'm proud to have fought to secure more than $32 million for Arizona projects. This funding shows exactly how Congressional spending should work, directing federal dollars toward projects that solve real problems in our state, like supporting the City of Chandler's water supply wells. In a state where water is everything, this investment will help strengthen long-term water security for families and businesses. I'm grateful to the local leaders who worked closely with our office to get these projects across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing shovels hit the ground in Arizona," said Senator Gallego.

"These investments are about making sure Arizona communities have what they need to keep people safe and build for the future," said Senator Kelly. "From upgrading water systems to getting first responders reliable equipment, these projects, shaped by local leaders, will make a real difference for families and communities across our state. I'm proud to deliver this funding and will keep fighting to make sure Arizona communities get ahead."

Click HERE to see the complete list of federal investments secured by Gallego and Kelly.

See what Arizona leaders and recipients are saying about the funding:

"I am grateful to Senators Kelly and Gallego for delivering this $4.2 million investment to support Tucson's public safety needs. These funds will replace aging police vehicles and provide a mobile unit that helps officers meet residents where they are and respond more efficiently. This is a practical, responsible investment which supports our Safe City Initiative and strengthens day-to-day public safety services across our community," said City of Tucson Mayor, Regina Romero.

"I appreciate the work of Senators Kelly and Gallego in securing critical federal funding to help Mesa modernize aging sewer infrastructure," said City of Mesa Mayor, Mark Freeman. "In some areas, our sewer system is more than 50 years old, and these investments are essential to protecting public health, water quality, and neighborhood safety. This $1.092 million will allow us to proactively rehabilitate vulnerable sewer lines and reduce the risk of system failures for the residents who rely on this infrastructure every day."

"I'm grateful for the strong support Senators Gallego and Kelly have shown for the Douglas Police Equipment Project in the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. These funds will help replace aging police vehicles so our officers can respond to emergencies quickly and safely. This investment will go a long way in promoting public safety in Douglas," said Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva.

"Delivering Tucson's Safe City Initiative requires a coordinated, citywide approach to public safety. I thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for supporting an investment that strengthens how Tucson equips and supports both sworn and community service officers." said Tim Thomure, City Manager for the City of Tucson.

"From its founding in 1885, the University of Arizona has been a leader in mining education and research. Today, our nation faces critical challenges related to building a robust and skilled mining workforce, recycling mine waste, and innovating processes that will enable the broader reshoring of the domestic critical minerals supply chain. The University of Arizona occupies an unparalleled position in its capacity to solve these challenges in partnership with industry and government, and this investment will go a long way to support these efforts. We thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for their leadership and partnership in this endeavor," said Suresh Garimella, President, University of Arizona.

"These federal funds are a vital part of the Tri-City Regional Sanitary District's effort to construct a new wastewater treatment and collection system in order to eliminate failing septic systems and cesspools in the region. The devastating flooding in September was yet another reminder of how important this project is to protecting the health and safety of the communities we serve. Senator Kelly and Senator Gallego have been true champions for our project, and we thank them for delivering these funds that will improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in southern Gila County," said Mary Anne Moreno, President of the Tri-City Regional Sanitary District Board.

"The Wellton Police Department is truly grateful for the funding included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill. This support will enable us to purchase new patrol vehicles that will improve response times, enhance officer safety, and help our officers better serve and protect our growing community. This investment represents a meaningful, long-term commitment to public safety in Wellton," said David J. Rodriguez, Chief of Police Wellton Police Department.

"The University of Arizona plays a prominent role in driving mining innovation and workforce development across the entire supply chain. With Arizona leading the nation in copper production, and as the home to the nation's most innovative new mining projects, the University of Arizona is positioned to support advancements across the entire industry. This congressional support will advance critical minerals processing, enhancing our national security and economic competitiveness. We thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for their vision and support," said David Hahn, Craig M. Berge Dean, College of Engineering, University of Arizona.

"Arizona's senators understand that Arizona and ASU are uniquely positioned to help meet the nation's most urgent challenges with practical, innovative solutions," said Sally C. Morton, Executive Vice President of ASU Knowledge Enterprise. "Arizona's congressional champions are driving the state forward through these university-led efforts to strengthen our state's heat preparedness and advance water-efficient technologies for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. These two projects will protect public health, reinforce critical infrastructure, and support economic competitiveness in water- and heat-stressed regions."

1/16/26