Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema recently announced that they secured $125,887,493 in federal investments for Arizona priorities and projects that support local law enforcement, flood control efforts, western rural water, “forever chemicals” removal, military installations, transportation, and more.

These were passed as part of a government funding bill for FY24, according to a release.

The funds include:

• $800,000 for AMI smart meters for the city of Mesa: This project will allow the city to better monitor water usage at homes and businesses and prevent water loss;
• $959,752 for water main improvements for the city of Mesa: These funds will allow the city to purchase equipment to inspect and repair its water transmission mains to maximize the efficiency of the distribution system to reduce water loss; and
• $1 million for a groundwater well for the city of Mesa: This project will install a new groundwater well to provide potable water for the southeast region of Mesa and its surrounding areas. This system will add resiliency to the City’s drinking water system, as a critical drought in the region worsens.

“We are grateful for Senators Kelly and Sinema’s funding support of two important water infrastructure projects in Mesa,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said in the release. “The Desert Wells Project improves access to water in southeast Mesa and increases the city’s resiliency in times of water shortage. Utilizing the latest in water infrastructure technology, the Smart Metering program gives utility customers greater stewardship over their water use, quickly identifies high usage, and helps families and businesses save money. Senators Kelly and Sinema’s leadership and dedication to water issues in Arizona has helped Mesa continue to thrive and meet growing demands.”

The federal investments for Arizona will support projects at the county, city, and local levels that enhance the safety, security, and health of Arizona communities, the release states.

“After months of work with mayors, law enforcement, and community leaders, I’m proud to announce these important investments in communities across Arizona,” Kelly said in the release. “From upgrading roads and water infrastructure to giving law enforcement and firefighters the tools they need to keep communities safe, these investments will make sure we remain the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

“I’m proud to bring these federal investments to Arizona – supporting projects and priorities for our counties, cities, and towns for safer and healthier communities,” Sinema, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in the release.