City sets legislative agenda; funds, transportation key  

Lynh Bui
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 24, 2005 

Protecting the city's coffers and raising awareness about regional transportation top Avondale's agenda for the coming state and federal legislative sessions.

Te City Council last week approved the legislative agenda for 2006.

It outlines the city's top priorities when lobbying with state and federal lawmakers, said Intergovernmental Affairs Manager Stephanie Prybyl.

"Beyond appropriations, speaking to our representatives about Interstate 10 is really enormous," Prybyl said, referring to the federal legislative agenda.

Prybyl hopes the city can team up with the Maricopa Association of Governments and other West Valley cities to gain federal support for the widening of Interstate 10 and construction of the I-10 reliever and South Mountain Freeway.

Avondale Mayor Ron Drake agreed that relaying information about the region's ever-growing freeway problems would be key this year.

"Transportation is huge for us," Drake said. He hopes the Legislature will divert budget windfalls to help the Southwest Valley expedite its freeway projects.

Prybyl said the city will also focus on capturing funds to expand the wastewater treatment plant and build other city projects.

In the last legislative session, U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., secured $1.5 million to expand the wastewater treatment plant.

For the past three years, Avondale has hired a lobbyist to work with officials in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the city. This year, Prybyl will be taking on the task, commuting between the Capitol and Avondale throughout the year.

Reach the reporter at (602) 444-4135.