To the editor: A thank you from the 347 Facts Committee

By Staff Reports
Jul 30, 2025

To the editor,

We want to take a moment to say thank you — truly.

When you wrote into the 347 Facts Committee, you added your voice to a growing chorus of residents who love this community and want to see it thrive. More than 140,000 letters were sent! Your stories — about the delays, the near-misses, the loved ones lost or the hard decision to move — were powerful. We heard them. And we made sure our elected state legislators, the Arizona Department of Transportation, ADOT State Transportation Board members, the governor’s office and Pinal County supervisors did, too.

Because of you and others who stepped up, spoke out, and shared their truth, we have exciting news:

On June 20, the state transportation board officially voted to include State Route 347 in ADOT’s five-year plan, with funding for widening beginning in Fiscal Year 2027!

On June 27, our state legislators and governor’s office passed a budget with full funding for the Riggs Road Overpass and intersections at Casa Blanca and Cement Plant Roads.

Earlier this year Pinal County Supervisors approved a $20M contribution.

This is a major win for our community—and you were part of it.

Now it’s time to celebrate together. You’re invited to our SR 347 Community Thank You Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Copper Sky Multigenerational Center.

Join us for light refreshments, heartfelt reflections, and a chance to recognize the power of community advocacy. We want to thank you in person—for your courage, your story, and your belief that change is possible. To read more about the celebration and the significance of this milestone, check out this article from InMaricopa.

And don’t miss this special video invitation from Mayor Nancy Smith.

We hope to see you there! You can always stay connected at 347Facts.com.

With gratitude and pride,

The 347 Facts Committee: Brandi Homan, Bill Robertson, Priscilla Behnke, James Singleton, Nancy Smith, Sharon Walker, Tena Dugan, Toryn Terrell, Adam Leach, Devin Pitcher, Shawnté Rothschild, T. Drake, Amber Liermann and Ron Angerame.