Lawmakers tout federal law impacting Verrado Way

State legislators attended Buckeye City Council’s meeting last night to recognize the impact of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 for development along Verrado Way. President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan act into law May 16. 

“The legislation prioritizes investments that will strengthen aviation safety, boost consumer protections, grow the aviation safety workforce, advance technology and innovation, and modernize our national airspace system into the future,” reads a press release at the time from the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

The law was important for Buckeye because it included a provision which eliminated an FAA easement on 940 acres of state land formerly designed at a satellite military airfield on Verrado Way between Yuma Road and Van Buren Street. The airfield has restricted development and road improvements in the area, said Government Affairs Deputy Director John Raeder at the Sept. 17 meeting. Under the reauthorization, traffic concerns can be addressed to increase the width of Van Buren, Verrado Way and Yuma Road.

“With the removal of the federal deed restriction, Buckeye anticipates making significant road improvements to Verrado Way, Yuma Road and Van Buren Street to accommodate continued growth in the area,” reads a May 17 press release from the city following Biden’s signing of the law. “It will also attract new businesses and investments due to this prime location near Interstate 10 and in the proximity to recent developments by Abrazo and Costco.”

The land is also in the vicinity of The Landing, a shopping and entertainment area currently under development to the south of I-10 on Verrado Way.

“This was an act of congress to get this FAA easement off of that,” said Mayor Orsborn. “We are so grateful for Congressman Gosar and Congressman Stanton and everyone else who participated to get that across the finish line.”

Representatives from the offices of U.S. Reps. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) and Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) attended the meeting along with State Sen. Sine Kerr (R-Buckeye), Reps. Tim Dunn (R-Yuma) and Michele Peña (R-Yuma) themselves. Council also recognized Sen. Brian Fernandez (D-Yuma), Reps. Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye) and Mariana Sandoval (D-Goodyear).

“Though we might not always see eye to eye on every issue, your commitment to listening and collaborating has greatly benefited the Buckeye community,” said Raeder. “Together, you have helped champion Buckeye’s needs and ensure our voice is heard at the state capital.”

“We are losing a wonderful advocate who has been a champion for Buckeye,” Rader said.

The city was presented with a copy of the provision signed by Pres. Biden at the September 17 meeting.