A study to examine the economic impact of building a freeway on Pecos Road in Ahwatukee Foothills was among the city's proposed budget cuts.

But not anymore.

The $10,000 study of Loop 202, the South Mountain Freeway, will be paid by the city.

"I went to the city manager and said it was an important study and that we can find money in the budget to do it," said Phoenix Councilman Greg Stanton, who represents the Ahwatukee area.

The mayor and City Council approved other budget cuts Tuesday, and restored other items that were at risk of cuts.

Restoring the study in Ahwatukee Foothills may necessitate not doing a study in another community, budget director Ceil Pettle said after the city meeting.

The Ahwatukee Republic published a March 30 story about the study of Pecos Road possibly being eliminated.

The city paid for a study in December that focused on the drawbacks and benefits of constructing the freeway in west Phoenix along 59th, 75th or 97th avenues, all possible freeway connections to I-10.

City officials have said they oppose putting the freeway along Pecos Road.

Stanton says completing the study would help in negotiating with ADOT to move the freeway.

"It is not absolutely necessary for us to be successful in getting the alignment south of Pecos Road," Stanton said, "but it will help us accomplish our goal."