Gila Herald Staff Reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani announced a major legislative milestone following the full passage of all 12 Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations bills out of the House Appropriations Committee. As Arizona’s sole representative on the committee, Ciscomani successfully fought to preliminarily secure over $42 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for 20 localized projects across the five counties of Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District.
The aggressive, results-driven package prioritizes national security, border protection, and critical infrastructure while ensuring federal taxpayer dollars are routed directly back into rural Arizona communities.
“I take seriously my responsibility to protect taxpayer dollars, reduce wasteful spending, and ensure federal resources are directed toward priorities that deliver results for the American people,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “From fixing aging infrastructure to supporting essential projects in our rural communities, these funds address real needs and deliver results.”
While the sweeping appropriations bills impact the entire district, a significant portion of the newly advanced funding is aimed squarely at the Gila Valley and surrounding rural areas, delivering major wins for health care, public infrastructure, and emergency readiness in Graham and Greenlee counties.
$650,000 Advanced for Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center
Among the most notable victories for the Gila Valley is a $650,000 congressional designated-spending allocation for Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center (MGRMC) to acquire state-of-the-art diagnostic mammography equipment.
The funding will completely replace aging equipment currently operated by MGRMC, with installation slated before June 30, 2027. Mammograms serve as the frontline defense against breast cancer, capable of identifying microscopic abnormalities and small, impalpable lumps up to three years before they can be physically felt. Early detection with this technology boasts a five-year survival rate of up to 99% and allows patients to avoid aggressive chemotherapy or extensive surgery.
MGRMC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bart Carter praised the congressman’s consistent focus on rural health care access.
“This is wonderful news. Juan has been a true friend to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, visiting our hospital many times, always wanting to know how federal issues affect people,” Dr. Carter said. “We appreciate him bringing tax dollars back home to Graham County to serve our patients. This new mammography machine uses the latest technologies to detect cancer at the earliest stages.”
Danny Smith, MGRMC Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations, emphasized the immense regional relief the funding brings.
“Although there are more steps, each congressional spending request that has been included in the CDS appropriations bill has made it to the finish line over the past four years,” Smith noted. “We already reinvest every dollar in increased capability and care for our patients, so this is a tremendous boost that allows the latest technology and allows us to invest in other treatments that keep care in Graham County, versus driving to Tucson or Phoenix.”
Major Infrastructure Wins for Graham County
In addition to health care, Graham County secured substantial funding within the committee’s approved bills to modernize its infrastructure and handle growing local demands:
- Graham County Courthouse Modernization ($2,000,000): Advanced through the Agriculture and Rural Development bill, this $2 million investment will support the sweeping renovation and expansion of Graham County’s historic courthouse. The project includes building new court facilities, a new Superior Court courtroom, and expanding the Justice of the Peace Court’s footprint to better manage ballooning caseloads.
- Town of Thatcher 1st Avenue Widening Project ($3,000,000): Secured through transportation infrastructure bills, this multi-million dollar allocation will fund the reconstruction and widening of 1st Avenue. The corridor serves as a vital artery for residents, businesses, and first responders, and the upgrades aim to maximize roadway safety and increase traffic capacity.
“Improvements to Graham County’s historic courthouse will benefit our region by providing better-equipped spaces to handle court cases and serve our residents in the coming years,” said Graham County Supervisor John Howard. “The funding that Representative Ciscomani has fought for will make a world of difference for all those who call Graham County home.”
Strengthening Greenlee County and the Town of Duncan
Ciscomani’s legislative push also delivers essential funding to Greenlee County, targeting public safety and infrastructure vulnerabilities that have historically plagued rural municipalities.
- Town of Duncan East Avenue Flood Mitigation & Pedestrian Safety ($1,766,000): Included in the Interior and Environment bills, this $1.76 million project directly tackles longstanding flooding and drainage issues that have repeatedly stalled local transportation, threatened properties, and created safety hazards during severe weather events. The project will overhaul regional stormwater management while introducing dedicated pedestrian safety upgrades.
The new FY27 funding builds upon prior consecutive wins for Greenlee County, which included a previous $1.9 million allocation for Duncan’s Main and High Street improvements.
What’s Next for the Funding Bills
Having successfully cleared the House Appropriations Committee—widely considered the highest hurdle for community project requests—the 12 funding bills will now head to the House floor for a full vote. From there, the legislation must pass the Senate before reaching the President’s desk for signature.
