Arizona Court Blocks State Funding for Prescott Rodeo Project
In a significant judicial decision, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge has declared that the $15.3 million allocated to Prescott Frontier Days contravenes the gift clause of the Arizona Constitution. This ruling comes amidst plans to revamp the rodeo grounds with a $40 million improvement initiative.
State representatives Quang Nguyen from Prescott Valley and Selina Bliss of Prescott had previously earmarked these funds from a budget surplus. The intention was to merge state funding with private investments to upgrade the facilities of what is celebrated as the “World’s Oldest Rodeo.”
Proponents of the funding argued that it met the constitutional requirements, asserting that the allocation served a public purpose and provided direct benefits to the state. However, a lawsuit initiated by Prescott residents challenged this claim, suggesting that the funds do not benefit the public and might result in a financial burden on taxpayers.
The court sided with the residents, stating that the allocation lacks a demonstrable public benefit and that officials have failed to outline specific spending guidelines. The future of the rodeo project remains uncertain as Prescott Frontier Days considers its next steps, including a potential appeal against the ruling.
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