The Casa Grande City Council passed Resolution No. 5711 on October 21, 2024, approving the allocation of $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for water infrastructure improvements in the southwestern portion of the city.
City Manager Larry Rains explained to the Council that the funds “will be utilized for water system improvements” in an approximately 31-square-mile area of southwestern Casa Grande, stretching from Clayton to I-8, and Montgomery to Trekell Road.
The project will include “new water supply to the Casa Grande system,” adding “new treatment and new mainline,” according to Rains. The improvements were deemed crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to clean and reliable water was identified as essential in preventing virus spread.
The resolution establishes two funding agreements: one between the City and Pinal County to receive the ARPA funds, and another with Arizona Water Company as the subrecipient who will construct the improvements. If project costs exceed the $15 million allocation, Arizona Water Company will be responsible for covering any additional expenses.
The project will be completed in three phases. As Rains detailed, “Phase One [will focus] on the new water supply which will be a new well and the treatment. Phase Two will be some of the additional components around that campus, and Phase Three will be the main water line.”
The timeline for the project is strict. The funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and fully expended by September 30, 2026. The funding process will work as a reimbursement system. The City will serve as a fiscal agent, ensuring Arizona Water Company meets procurement and scoping requirements. The City will then request reimbursement from Pinal County, who will in turn seek reimbursement from the state.
Rains noted that while ARPA funds could be used for “water, sewer and broadband, the state was desirous of us using them specifically for water infrastructure improvements.” The $15 million had already been included in the City’s fiscal year 2025 budget and Capital Improvement Program.
