First of all, I want to thank all of you for keeping healthy and safe. I would like to update you on the good things happening in Kearny.
The Town of Kearny is working on many economic development projects, some are funded by USDA RD (United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development) and CDBG (Community Development Block Grant). The Town has received a grant to repair the filtration plant from the Arizona Department of Housing in the amount of $278,268.
The other projects, the Town is working on are a rehab and modernization of the water system in the amount of $1.9 million, which is part of a grant from USDA RD, in the amount of $460,000.
We are working with a water meter company to install new water meters in the next few months. The tentative start date is July 7, 2020. The water meters are part of a grant that was received by the Town by USDA, in the amount of $310,000. Please thank you for your patience in advance.
The repair of the two water tanks will be going out to bid shortly and the booster system up across the highway will be repaired. This has been needed for many years. Another water system improvement, is to drill a new well with a grant from the Water Infrastructure Authority of Arizona.
The Town received a grant in the amount of $69,000 from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and Arizona State Forestry to mitigate the salt cedars along the Gila River. We are preparing for this year’s fire season and I am thankful this project was completed in December.
The Town was able to re-surface Tilbury Road and part of Upton Road. The Town is anticipating more street improvements in the near future by using their HURF (Highway Users Revenue Fund) funds.
We are working diligently with the ambulance department. This department has received several grants such as the Resolution Corporate Giving Program grant in the amount of $10,362.06, along with receiving two grants from Apache Sky Casino, in the amount of $21,950.88 over the last couple of years. The ambulance department has also received funding from Pinal County in the amount of $14,188.37. ASARCO has funded the ambulance department in the amount of $18,500, for grant funding and helping to fund the ambulance. Over the next two years, ASARCO has agreed to fund an additional $20,000 for the ambulance fund.
The Town was able to improve their drinking water system by repairing the four wells that are located up across the highway. This is a permanent solution for the Town’s drinking water allotment. The two main wells located within the area of the Globe Equity Decree and the four wells have made it possible for Kearny to have a new water system, in the amount of $210,000.
As you can see, it has been a very busy year for the Town Council and staff. There have been many projects completed and more to be completed in the near future.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Debra Sommers
Mayor, Town of Kearny