Pressured by Ciscomani, DOT Announces $95 Million in Funding for I-10

WASHINGTON – Following a series of efforts from Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced $95 million in funding for the widening of Interstate 10 (I-10). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will receive the money through the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) under the DOT.

In August, Ciscomani and fellow members of the Arizona congressional delegation sent a letter to Secretary Buttigieg calling for funding for the project. In the letter, the group advocated for the ADOT’s application for MPDG funding, the exact funds the project is set to receive.

“The I-10 is a critical artery between Tucson and the rest of the state, serving as vital infrastructure for commercial, recreational, and freight activity alike,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “These funds will be transformational for this major corridor for our state and region – facilitating international trade and commerce, tourism and more. This grant funding will allow for the critical widening needed on one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in Arizona. While it is overdue, I am pleased to see DOT recognize the importance of the project nationally and allocate the necessary resources. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate to bring federal dollars back home to our district and state.”

Ciscomani long-advocated for additional funding for the I-10 while in Congress:

• In April, the congressman questioned DOT Sec. Buttigieg in a hearing on why the I-10 has not previously received funding through the agency.
• He also successfully included a provision in the annual House Appropriations Committee’s Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) package to direct DOT to prioritize highways in the intermountain west, which includes the I-10.
• Additionally, following his swearing-in in January, Ciscomani met with local stakeholders in Casa Grande to discuss the I-10 expansion and much-needed funding.