A recent resolution to prevent a government shutdown has resulted in a significant cut to federal funding for local projects across the United States, with Arizona losing $50 million of the anticipated funds. The removal of these funds is part of a larger $13 billion withdrawal of federal support for community projects nationwide.
Congressman Juan Ciscomani, representing Arizona, had earmarked $34 million of the lost funds for improvements in his district, including enhancements to Tucson’s police vehicle fleet and updates to the city’s water system. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero expressed the city’s intention to reapply for the funding and explore other financial avenues, noting, “It undermines not just the funding cycle, but the faith in the system itself.”
The city’s communication challenges with federal agencies have been exacerbated by workforce cuts, with Romero stating, “We are already confronting the inability of being able to talk to people at HUD and other departments.”
Oro Valley was another community affected, having anticipated $7 million for repairing local bridges. Despite the funding loss, a town engineer indicated that there wouldn’t be an “immediate” impact on the repair schedule. Karl Shaddock, assistant to the town manager, mentioned hopes for special consideration for these repairs when reapplying for funds next year.
Congressman Ciscomani’s office has committed to assisting project recipients in locating alternative funding sources. In a statement to KJZZ, he expressed disappointment, noting, “Unfortunately, as I have conveyed to all of this year’s recipients, I am very disappointed that the bipartisan Continuing Resolution Congress passed did not include any of the funds I secured through my work on the Appropriations Committee.”
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