Council secures NRCS approval for flood mitigation funding

220-day clock starts for urgent creek maintenance

House Government Committee advances $25 million flood relief bill

Proposed state "food tax" bill pulled

Tourism initiative reports record growth and tax relief

County accepts $266,000 for weatherization assistance

Contract extension approved for forest road projects

Board approves $120,000 for school safety initiatives

$20,000 grant awarded for Western heritage education

Supervisors update on flood relief legislation

Governor Hobbs scheduled to visit Payson

Council secures NRCS approval for flood mitigation funding

GLOBE, Ariz. — The Globe City Council announced that the city's application for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funding has been approved at the 75 percent level, allowing the federal government to cover three-quarters of the costs for the Pinal Creek channel clearing and sediment removal project. The city remains responsible for a 25 percent match, estimated at approximately $5 million, though City Manager Paul Jepson noted that while the city is actively seeking funding sources to cover the match, the approval allows critical flood mitigation work to proceed immediately.

220-day clock starts for urgent creek maintenance

GLOBE, Ariz. — With Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding approved, Fire Chief Gary Robinson reported that a strict 220-day timeline to complete channel maintenance began on Jan. 30, 2026, requiring sediment removal to restore historical flow levels to Pinal Creek and surrounding drainages. To meet the deadline, the city is conducting aerial LiDAR mapping and requires signed "Right of Entry" forms from 74 residential and business parcels along the corridor; Robinson urged affected property owners to sign the forms to allow surveyors and crews access, noting that delays could jeopardize the project's completion before the deadline.

House Government Committee advances $25 million flood relief bill

GLOBE, Ariz. — Mayor Al Gameros and city leaders reported a legislative victory following a trip to the state Capitol to support Arizona House Bill 2070, which would appropriate $25 million to Globe for flood recovery and passed the House Government Committee unanimously with a 7-0 vote. The legislation, which now moves to appropriations before returning to the House for a final vote, was bolstered by the council's strong relationships with state and federal delegations during the city's continued recovery efforts.

Proposed state "food tax" bill pulled

GLOBE, Ariz. — Mayor Al Gameros reported that Senate Bill 1190, a measure likely aimed at prohibiting municipalities from levying sales tax on groceries for home consumption, was pulled from the agenda just minutes before a committee hearing. Gameros, who traveled to the state Capitol to oppose the measure, stated that the city hopes the bill is dead for the year, highlighting the move as a win for local taxpayers and another example of the city's active engagement in protecting local interests at the state legislature.

Tourism initiative reports record growth and tax relief

GLOBE, Ariz. — The Gila County Board of Supervisors received a presentation regarding the "Discover Gila County" marketing plan, which highlighted significant economic returns from local tourism. Representatives from Discover Gila County reported that the county saw $37.8 million in direct travel spending in 2024, an increase that they estimate offsets local tax burdens by approximately $1,280 per household annually. The board reviewed data showing the program's website has attracted nearly 750,000 visitors since its launch, with a new five-year strategic plan currently in development to further target "weekend warriors" and outdoor enthusiasts from Phoenix and Tucson.

County accepts $266,000 for weatherization assistance

GLOBE, Ariz. — The board approved a funding agreement with the Arizona Department of Housing to accept $266,490 for the county's weatherization assistance program. The funds, which originate from Southwest Gas Corp. and Arizona Public Service, will be administered by the Gila County Community Services Division to help residents improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs. County staff noted that while funding levels fluctuate, the department typically invests approximately $850,000 annually into weatherization efforts across the county.

Contract extension approved for forest road projects

GLOBE, Ariz. — The supervisors approved extensions for agreements with the U.S. Forest Service regarding improvements to Young Road (Forest Service Road 512) and Control Road (Forest Service Road 64). Public Works Director Christine Smith reported that while the Young Road environmental assessment is nearing completion, the county has secured an $800,000 grant from the Arizona Department of Transportation to finalize the design. Regarding the Control Road project, staff noted there is approximately $700,000 in remaining funds; however, the county rejected a Forest Service proposal to lay aggregate on the road, citing safety concerns that the material would narrow the roadway and clog culverts.

Board approves $120,000 for school safety initiatives

GLOBE, Ariz. — Supervisors voted to approve memorandums of understanding with three local school districts to improve student safety under the Safe Routes to School project. The board authorized $40,000 grants each for Miami Unified School District, Pine Elementary School District and Hayden-Winkelman Unified School District. The funds are designated for activities and infrastructure, such as signage, cones and safety gear, to protect students walking or biking to school, with representatives from the districts present to accept the funding.

$20,000 grant awarded for Western heritage education

GLOBE, Ariz. — The board approved a $20,000 economic development agreement with Brownsville Western Heritage Inc. to support agricultural and ranching education. Program directors Bill Brown and Jessica Barnett told the board that after losing funding from the Tonto Natural Resource Conservation District, county support was vital to continue their Ag Daze program and classroom instruction, which reached over 300 students this year. The program teaches fourth and fifth graders about local industries including ranching, mining and cotton.

Supervisors update on flood relief legislation

GLOBE, Ariz. — During the meeting, Supervisor Tim Humphrey reported on his recent testimony at the state capitol regarding House Bill 2070. The bill seeks to secure $25 million in state funding for flood relief in Gila County. Humphrey noted that he and eight other county representatives testified before the committee, resulting in a unanimous vote to move the bill forward, though it still requires approval from the full legislature and the governor.

Governor Hobbs scheduled to visit Payson

GLOBE, Ariz. — Board Chairman Steve Christensen announced that Gov. Katie Hobbs is scheduled to visit Gila County on Feb. 25. The governor will speak at a luncheon at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson. Christensen noted that tickets for the event were in high demand, with county officials and approximately 400 attendees expected to be present to hear the governor address local issues.

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