The Arizona House Transportation Committee this week gave unanimous approval to a bill sponsored by State Rep. David Cook that would fund a state route extension and a new connector along the Central Arizona Project canal alignment.

HB 2184 appropriates $15 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023 to the Arizona Department of Transportation to distribute to Pinal County to acquire right of way to extend State Route 24 and to develop a connector route extending from SR24 along the CAP canal alignment. The funds provide about half of the cost required for completion of the project. Pinal County would provide the remaining portion, according to a release.

“This important project will help improve safety and alleviate traffic congestion for residents in the Queen Creek area of Maricopa County and the San Tan Valley and other areas of Pinal County, including for many correctional employees who commute in and out of Florence,” Rep. Cook said in the release. “I appreciate the committee’s support for this project, and I will keep working to advance it through the next steps in the legislative process.”

SR24 was completed in 2014, opening the freeway between Loop 202 and Ellsworth Road. In Fall 2020, ADOT began construction on a SR24 interim phase II, which extends the freeway approximately 5 miles from Ellsworth Road in Maricopa County to Ironwood Drive in Pinal County. The interim phase II project includes two paved lanes in each direction separated by a graded median, new at-grade intersections and bridges. Phase II construction is projected to be completed in 2022.

Rep. Cook is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 8, which includes areas of Pinal and Gila counties. Follow him on Twitter @RepDavidCook.