The Tri-City Regional Sanitary District (TRSD) started 2024 on a very upbeat note with a visit from Congressman Eli Crane, Arizona Congressional District 2 representative, and Gaither Martin, the congressman’s district director. The congressman noted that while he has visited this region of his very expansive district on numerous occasions, this was his first visit where he had the opportunity to tour the ongoing TRSD wastewater collection and treatment project.

Crane and Martin were hosted by TRSD Board Members Robert Jacques and Connie Callaway and TRSD Bond Counselor Tim Stratton. The visit began with an overview of the project’s Phase 3 and the water reclamation facility from the hills on the east side of the project. It continued with an on-the-ground tour of the project’s Phase 1 to get a firsthand look at some of the more challenged areas of the project. Crane understands that the wastewater treatment needs of residences within project boundaries are currently served by onsite cesspools (banned in 1976) and septic tanks (the majority of which do not meet current codes). The TRSD project will replace those individual systems with a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system.

During and following the tour, the congressman commented on the areal expanse of and clear need for the project. He continuously engaged the TRSD team in discussions on the project’s near- and long-term benefits, on TRSD’s ongoing efforts to secure additional grant funding, and on the difficulties it faces in order to maintain a scheduled beginning of Phase 1 construction in the second quarter of 2024.

At the close of the visit, Crane commented he was in full support of the project and that his team would work with TRSD on a variety of fronts to help the project secure available grant funding and, possibly, to address obstacles that impact the project’s schedule.

The members of the TRSD team who accompanied the congressman on the tour are thankful for his comments. We understand his demanding schedule and appreciate his offer of assistance, where necessary, to successfully complete the project.