Year in Review: Kelly Secures Millions in Federal Funding for Public Safety and Infrastructure Projects Across Arizona

Secured $22 million for a child development center at Luke Air Force Base and $2.7 million for rural Arizona fire, police, and flood protection projects

This year, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly championed federal investments for rural Arizona communities, delivering for local projects in every corner of the state. As too many of Arizona's rural communities rely on decades-old equipment and run-down facilities that no longer meet the demands of today's first responders, Kelly's work focused on securing practical upgrades to keep communities safe. These investments will improve public safety, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and support military families.

Arizona Priorities Requested and Secured by Kelly

Luke Air Force Base

This year, Senator Kelly secured more than $22 million to construct a much-needed child development center for servicemembers and their families at Luke Air Force Base. The funding builds on planning and design funds Kelly secured in the past two defense bills and will expand childcare capacity to better support military families.

Read more about what this means for families at Luke here.

Pinal County - Smith Wash Watershed Plan

Pinal County received $1 million to develop a flood control plan for portions of Smith Wash in Pinal County to protect nearby homes and infrastructure.

Watch more about this project here.

City of Bisbee

Following the devastating Main Street fires in Bisbee, Kelly secured $620,000 to replace a 30-year-old fire truck with a new aerial ladder fire truck, giving the city the resources needed to protect residents and businesses in the historic downtown district.

Read more about what Bisbee Mayor Ken Budge said about this funding here.

Town of Clarkdale

Thanks to Kelly's work, Clarkdale received $150,000 to make essential structural upgrades to the Clarkdale Police Station. The current building dates back to 1918 and needs critical repairs to ensure a safe working environment for law enforcement personnel.

Read more about what Clarkdale Town Manager Susan Guthrie said about this funding here.

Town of Superior

Kelly delivered $718,000 for the Town of Superior to replace a 25-year-old, failing fire engine with a new fire truck to support the Superior Fire Department's public safety response.

Tonto Basin Fire District

Kelly secured $158,000 for the Tonto Basin Fire District to renovate its fire station. The station was originally constructed in 1970 and now needs significant upgrades to meet the needs of first responders and ensure the safety of the crews and the public.

Read more about Tonto Basin Fire Chief James A. Stoltenberg said about these upgrades here.

Alpine Fire District

And finally, Kelly supported the Alpine Fire District with $140,000 to purchase a new emergency response vehicle, increasing its capacity to support fire, EMS, and search-and-rescue operations in rural eastern Arizona.

Sen. Kelly meets with Fry Fire District firefighters.

In 2026, Kelly will continue championing rural Arizona communities by pushing for targeted investments that strengthen public safety, improve critical infrastructure, and support families in small towns across the state.