Phoenix Invests $30 Million in Rio Salado Revitalization

News Summary

The city of Phoenix has acquired a 29.4-acre land parcel for nearly $30 million as part of the Rio Salado revitalization initiative. This purchase aims to enhance housing, create jobs, and restore natural habitats while addressing ecological challenges faced by the river systems. The land, located near Sky Harbor International Airport, will be developed as part of the RIO PHX plan, emphasizing community-driven elements and sustainable growth.

Phoenix Purchases $30 Million Land Parcel for Rio Salado Revitalization

The city of Phoenix has made a significant investment in urban revitalization by purchasing a 29.4-acre land parcel for nearly $30 million. This acquisition, located at 3030 S. Seventh Street and just under two miles from Sky Harbor International Airport, is a key step in the comprehensive Rio Salado revitalization project.

The purchase is part of the broader RIO PHX plan, which proposes the development of 20 miles along the Rio Salado/Salt River corridor aimed at enhancing housing, creating jobs, providing recreational areas, and restoring natural habitats. This effort aligns with the overarching Rio Reimagined initiative, which focuses on restoring the Salt and Gila river systems to reconnect communities with the waterways and to foster ecosystems that benefit local biodiversity.

Current Use and Future Plans for the Land

The newly acquired land currently houses a 42,500-square-foot industrial building, which is under lease until 2028. Despite this temporary usage, the location is strategically positioned for industrial applications, particularly as Arizona’s semiconductor, manufacturing, and energy sectors continue to grow.

This land parcel was previously acquired by ATLAS in 2012 as part of a long-term investment strategy. The company focuses on identifying valuable assets and aligning them with appropriate partners for future developments. As part of the revitalization plan, the city of Phoenix intends to introduce educational initiatives and community-driven elements to ensure sustainable growth and engagement with local residents.

Wider Impacts of the Rio Reimagined Initiative

The Rio Reimagined initiative encompasses a coalition of eight cities and includes collaboration with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa and Gila River Indian communities to address the ecological challenges faced by the river systems. Environmental advocates are working to remediate the effects of pollution and industrial activities that have led to the degradation of the rivers over time.

Among those contributing to environmental recovery efforts, Liberty Wildlife, a conservation organization based in Phoenix, plays a critical role in rehabilitating wildlife along the Rio Salado. The organization also manages a feather repository that assists Native American tribes in preserving their cultural practices involving native species.

Future Vision for the Area

The Rio Salado revitalization is not just focused on ecological restoration; it represents a holistic vision for community development that encompasses job creation, recreational spaces, and improved connectivity between neighborhoods and the waterways. Plans include integrating elements that promote environmental education to encourage residents’ participation in local ecology and sustainability practices.

As the city of Phoenix moves forward with its revitalization agenda, the acquisition of the land at 3030 S. Seventh Street serves as a pivotal component in reimagining the Rio Salado as a vibrant and sustainable habitat, fostering growth while emphasizing the significance of preserving natural environments.

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Additional Resources

• KTAR News: City of Phoenix Rio Salado
• AZ Central: Rio Reimagined Initiative
• ABC15: Major Projects Along Rio Salado
• 12 News: Phoenix and Tempe Development Feud
• Fox 10: Tempe Apartment Residents Evacuated
• Wikipedia: Rio Salado