Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $25,000,000 US Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program application for

4.J
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 04/07/26
AGENDA ITEM: 4.J. FIN - BUILD Capital
Grant Program Application - Watson
Road Extension Project
DATE PREPARED: 04/08/26
DISTRICT NO.: All
STAFF LIAISON: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager,
rroach@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6165
DEPARTMENT: Financial Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $25,000,000 US Department of
Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program application
for design and construction of Watson Road extension from Southern Avenue south to MC 85 to include
four lanes, traffic signals and overpass over the railroad tracks and irrigation canal; and authorize and
direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney to take all steps necessary to carry out the
purpose and intent of said grant application.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS: 
Infrastructure
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Buckeye is seeking a 38.5% BUILD funding ($25,000,000 which is the maximum allowed) for
the proposed Watson Road project through the life of the project, which is anticipated to cover 36
months. The City qualifies for these Federal dollars as the project is designated as urban and located in
an historically disadvantaged community. The existing available route from Watson Road and Southern
Avenue to Watson Road and MC 85 is 3.5 miles since there currently is no direct pathway due to barriers
such as railroad tracks and irrigation canal. Construction of this extension reduces the distance from 3.5
to 0.7 miles. Plans include construction of a four-lane road (two lanes in each direction) separated by a
raised median, an overpass for the railroad tracks and irrigation canal, two traffic signals, sidewalks and
bike paths, drainage facilities, armoring of the Palo Verde Nuclear Cooling line, and a Futurepath conduit
for fiber infrastructure. Buckeye will also use adaptive street lighting to regulate the light intensity based
on sunrise and sunset times, and weather situations, adjusting light output based on real-time
conditions. 
BENEFITS:
The reduction in miles traveled, resulting from the overpass connection, will decrease vehicle emissions-
-possibly up to three million pounds per year--and equitably distribute the benefits of improved air quality,
thereby enhancing the neighborhood's environmental and health conditions. The overpass will be
American with Disabilities (ADA) compliant providing for walking, bicycling, and rolling. Adaptive street
lighting will contribute significantly to reducing energy consumption. Low-carbon construction materials
will improve environmental sustainability and could potentially extend the life of the roadway surface in
addition to reducing harmful emissions. The project will also provide safer ways to travel in this area by
separating vehicular traffic from non-vehicular traffic.
Additionally, the project will provide pathways to economic benefits. The Walmart Distribution Center, the
Ross Dress for Less Distribution Center, Cardinal Glass along with potential new commercial
development have the potential of supporting 4,100 jobs. At an average hourly wage of $15 per hour, the

economic benefit to this area could provide $128 million annually. 
FUTURE ACTION:
If awarded, this project would be included in the approved City of Buckeye's Capital Improvement Plan.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
The total project cost is estimated at $64,953,000, with a grant request of $25,000,000 and City of
Buckeye local match of $39,953,000.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
If the grant is awarded, it is not expected that there will be any expenditures in Fiscal Year 26.
BUDGETED:
Yes
FISCAL YEAR:
2027-2030
FUND/DEPARTMENT:
CIP
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
CAR Summary Recap - Watson Road.docx
Merit Criteria Narrative FY26.docx
Project Budget - Watson.docx
Project Description - Watson.docx
BCA Narrative.docx