County Supervisors Address Growth At Forum

Pinal County Board Chairman Lionel Ruiz & District 3 Supervisor David Snider attended a 2-day forum in southern Arizona looking at the growth issues that will affect this part of the state in the next 2 decades.

Immediately after the 2-day event, Supervisor Snider said the time spent was well worth it.

"You had over 30 elected officials & administrators from Pinal, Pima, Cochise & Santa Cruz Counties in one place to discuss one issue: growth," the Supervisor said. "We addressed a lot of issues related to the impending influx of residents from water to open space. It became apparent that our issues are not unique; we need to address them regionally & not as 4 separate entities."

Pinal County Assistant County Manager for Development Services Ken Buchanan along with Planning & Zoning Director David Kuhl were on hand for the forum. While water issues dominated the forum, Snider said that transportation & jobs were part of the discussion as well.

"I think everyone was in agreement that we need I-10 to become a 6-lane freeway throughout Pinal County," Supervisor Snider declared. "We have over 140,000 vehicles a day travel that stretch of road & it needs to be widened. It all goes back to the quality of life issue. If we have these houses & we don't have needed the roads-then where is the quality?"

Before ending the forum, officials were in agreement that they will meet at least 3 times a year to discuss, network & plan for the upcoming growth.

"I think if we can stay together as a group-our voice at the legislature & with the Department of Transportation will be loud," Snider said. "It's time we wake up the rest of the state to what is happening here."