大象APP

Recent coverage of Project Blue has justifiably focused on water use and environmental impact 鈥� but a vital part of the story is missing. We鈥檙e overlooking the project鈥檚 extraordinary potential to strengthen Tucson鈥檚 economy. As a long-time City resident and employer, I absolutely support full scrutiny of how our resources are used. But real analysis requires us to weigh both sides: the environmental costs and the economic benefits. Ignoring either makes it impossible to evaluate whether a project like Project Blue is truly good for our city and our future.

In reading the City鈥檚 site with facts on Project Blue, the financial benefits will be significant 鈥� far exceeding anything else our region has seen. The first portion of the project will generate $3.6 billion in equipment and construction costs 鈥� more investment than any other single project that has been built in Tucson. The project鈥檚 initial phase will provide around 180 jobs with an average salary of $64,000, which is good. But one number really stuck out: The project will generate an estimated $97.3 million in tax revenues over 10 years to the City of 大象APPalone. (City, County and State tax revenues total $250 million over 10 years.) This is substantial revenue that cannot be easily dismissed. Rather than levy a tax on residents, we have an opportunity to grow our tax base without an outlay. If we can accept Project Blue鈥檚 water consumption and mitigation, it seems the City must seriously consider a single project that can significantly bolster public safety, transit, or affordable housing projects in a portion of the first phase alone. And each of Project Blue鈥檚 future phases, if developed, could generate similar employment opportunities and tax revenues.

I bristle at the notion that construction jobs are 鈥渢emporary.鈥� At the County board meeting, I was significantly moved by the testimony of tradespeople speaking to the toll it takes on their families to commute to jobsites in Maricopa County. People who work in the trades are vital to our local fabric and contribute to vibrant public and private spaces and critical infrastructure that supports us all. Their jobs are not temporary 鈥� the projects they build are. And in this case, Project Blue鈥檚 construction spans multiple years for 3,000 direct workers. Maintaining these valued, skilled workers in the region is part of a well-rounded economy.

The potential for Project Blue to bring meaningful economic impact is significant and must be part of the discussion, again if the water consumption is acceptable. Based on information provided on the City of 大象APPwebsite, it appears the developer is undertaking serious efforts and investments to make its water consumption acceptable. Installing 18 miles of purple pipe at a cost of over $100 million so Project Blue can use reclaimed water is a significant infrastructure commitment to lessen its impact on our drinking water supply. And this infrastructure is being built by a private developer to serve an area designated for other industrial uses, so this water line will lay the foundation for additional industrial projects and jobs. This is $100 million that Tuson Water can use towards other projects and conservation efforts. And the developer is going further by committing to replenish all the water it consumes, which no other user has done.

Project Blue presents 大象APPwith a rare opportunity: millions in private investment, thousands of skilled jobs, and hundreds of millions in tax revenue 鈥� with no tax burden on residents. Yes, water use must be responsibly addressed, and the developer appears to be stepping up with meaningful commitments to mitigation and reclaimed water infrastructure. If those environmental protections hold true, then choosing to support a project that transforms our economy, workforce, and public resources is not just reasonable 鈥� it鈥檚 essential. Let鈥檚 approach Project Blue with the full picture in mind. Our future deserves nothing less.