Show Low officials press committee for East Wolford Road extension and 100-year bridge

Show Low officials told the Arizona Legislature's Red Committee that the East Wolford Road extension and a new bridge over Show Low Creek are shovel-ready projects that would ease congestion and improve emergency access across the White Mountains.

"This project is 100% shovel ready," the project's presenter said during a prerecorded overview, describing the new connection between State Route 260 and Penrod Road and a bridge built to withstand a 100-year flood event. The presentation said the bypass would reduce congestion on State Route 260 and link multiple highways, improving travel time for residents and first responders.

Mayor Leach of Show Low, appearing with local officials, said the video reflected substantial staff work and local commitment. "The emergency access to that is more important than that video said," he said, noting his background in emergency services and the region's summer population surge.

Councilman Mike Adams recounted past flooding that left parts of the town isolated and said the existing bridge has failed in past high-water events. "So this bridge would be 100 year bridal," Adams said, adding it would reduce the risk of isolation for residents and improve access to Summit Healthcare and fire districts that rely on the corridor.

Navajo County Supervisor Daryl Seymour said the project has been a long-standing regional priority and highlighted the local investment. "The city is going to put in 7 and a half million dollars to contribute," Seymour said, adding that the region is asking the state to approve additional funding in the budget to complete the project.

The presentation described the project's benefits to emergency response — five fire departments and multiple communities would gain an alternate crossing — as well as commercial access that would strengthen the White Mountains' role as a regional hub. The packet included a funding request of $6,500,000; the presenter also noted developers and the city have committed $7,560,000 to the bridge construction.

Chair Martinez thanked the delegation and proposed a district field hearing at Goldfield Mine to let committee members see the area's infrastructure needs firsthand. The committee recessed briefly for photos before moving on to other agenda items.