Rep. Juan Ciscomani Applauds Committee Passage of Two FY27 Appropriations Bills, Preliminarily Securing More Than $25 Million for Arizona’s Sixth District

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani announced yesterday that communities in southeastern Arizona are a step closer to receiving more than $25 million in federal funding for critical workforce training and transportation infrastructure projects.

Among the future recipients of the funding is Pima Community College, which is poised to receive $900,000 for Project Catalyst, an effort to prepare students for high-paying careers in high-demand science and technology industries.

The funding is included in two bills advanced Wednesday afternoon by the House Appropriations Committee: the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act. The legislation now goes before the full House.

As Arizona's only member of the committee, Ciscomani strongly advocated for both measures.

"One of my top priorities as Arizona's representative on the Appropriations Committee is to ensure the needs of our communities are reflected in the federal funding process," said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. "These projects were proposed by local leaders, stakeholders, and residents who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our region. From improving critical infrastructure and public safety to investing in workforce development and economic growth, these investments will make a meaningful difference across Southern Arizona. I am proud to have preliminarily secured this funding and look forward to continuing to advance these priorities as they move toward consideration on the House Floor."

Since taking office in January 2023, Ciscomani has held an iron-clad commitment to ensuring the communities he represents have a seat at the table of the federal appropriations process. His goal is to deliver targeted investments in projects that his constituents in Arizona's 6th Congressional District - not Washington - say are important.

One of those constituents enthusiastically welcomed today's developments.

"Pima Community College is grateful to Congressman Juan Ciscomani and the House Appropriations Committee for their support of the college's Project Catalyst," said Dr. Jeffrey Nasse, chancellor of Pima Community College. "These dollars will support the college's continuing efforts to keep our workforce programs in STEM--including pre-engineering--and business fields up to date and relevant to rapidly changing workforce needs in these fields."

AZ-06 Community Project Funding Requests Included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act

City of Eloy - Frontier Mill & Overlay Project Phases II & III

Funding: $6,761,000

This investment will modernize critical roadway infrastructure through resurfacing and safety upgrades along key transportation corridors in Eloy. The project will improve driving conditions, enhance public safety, and support continued economic growth by strengthening connections for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Town of Marana - Traffic Interchange Improvements

Funding: $3,000,000

Funding will expand capacity at the Marana Interchange along Interstate 10, helping reduce congestion in one of Arizona's fastest-growing communities. These improvements will support future development, improve mobility for commuters, and strengthen the region's transportation network for years to come.

Pima JTED - Workforce Training Center for Technological Innovation

Funding: $3,000,000

This funding will help construct a state-of-the-art workforce training center designed to prepare students for careers in Arizona's most in-demand industries. By expanding access to hands-on education in fields like robotics, semiconductors, engineering, and skilled trades, the project will strengthen Southern Arizona's workforce pipeline and economic competitiveness.

Town of Thatcher - 1st Avenue Widening Project

Funding: $3,000,000

Funding will support the reconstruction and widening of a major transportation corridor that serves as a critical connection for residents, businesses, and emergency services. The project will improve roadway safety, increase traffic capacity, and enhance quality of life throughout Thatcher and Graham County.

City of Casa Grande - Burris Road Improvements

Funding: $2,734,200

This project will upgrade key intersections and roadway infrastructure along an essential transportation corridor serving Casa Grande's growing population and economy. The improvements will increase safety, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and improve access to major highways, employment centers, and commercial developments.

City of Sierra Vista - Buffalo Soldier Trail Reconstruction

Funding: $2,000,000

Funding will support the reconstruction of Buffalo Soldier Trail, one of Sierra Vista's most heavily traveled roadways and a critical route serving Fort Huachuca. The project will improve safety, mobility, and reliability for nearly 20,000 daily drivers while strengthening access to military, commercial, and residential areas.

Town of Duncan - East Avenue Flood Mitigation & Pedestrian Safety Project

Funding: $1,766,00

This investment will address longstanding flooding issues that have disrupted transportation, damaged infrastructure, and created safety hazards for residents. The project will improve stormwater management, enhance pedestrian safety, and ensure more reliable access for the community during severe weather events.

Pinal County - Air Traffic Control Tower Environmental Assessment & Design

Funding: $1,600,000

Funding will advance the development of a new air traffic control tower at Pinal Airpark through environmental review, site selection, and preliminary design work. The project will enhance aviation safety, support military and commercial operations, and help position the region for continued economic growth.

Cochise County - Bisbee-Douglas International Airport Runway Reconstruction

Funding: $1,000,000

This funding will support reconstruction of the airport's primary runway, improving safety and reliability for both civilian and military aviation operations. The project will strengthen regional economic development, support cross-border commerce, and enhance the airport's role as a strategic transportation asset near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Pima Community College - Project Catalyst

Funding: $900,000

Funding will modernize instructional facilities and expand access to workforce training programs in high-demand STEM and business fields. By aligning education opportunities with industry needs, the project will help prepare students for high-paying careers while supporting Arizona's growing innovation economy.

In addition, Rep. Ciscomani also supported the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which funds crucial federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The legislation allocates $3.2 billion for the National Park Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, along with $1.55 billion for Bureau of Indian Affairs education programs. These investments support Arizona's public lands, tribal communities, and natural resources. These priorities are closely aligned with the needs of Arizona's Sixth District, home to celebrated public lands, vibrant tribal communities, and thriving outdoor recreation economies.

Earlier this year, Congressman Ciscomani welcomed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to Southern Arizona, where local stakeholders shared their perspectives on conservation, public land management, and responsible resource development. Many of the priorities discussed during those meetings are reflected in the legislation.

With these two appropriations bills moving forward, nine of the twelve funding bills have now passed out of committee and will advance to the next stage of the legislative process as Congress continues work on finalizing Fiscal Year 2027 funding.

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