Rio Reimagined Project

The Rio Reimagined Project is a vision to revitalize the Rio Salado (Salt River), Aqua Fria and Gila Rivers, and the region by transforming over 45 miles of the river stretching from the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community at the eastern most boundary to the City of Buckeye to the west and encompassing more than 78,000 acres. The project aspires to reconnect the community with the river, to establish a unified vision, to be a catalyst for economic growth and inclusion, and to build a unique regional destination. Leaders of eight river communities demonstrated their commitment to moving Rio Reimagined forward by signing a Statement of Intent in 2018. With Arizona State University (ASU) as community convener contributing financial, intellectual and organizational resources, and the eight communities directing the vision, the journey has begun.

EPA announced that the City of Avondale will receive a $600,000 brownfields grant with the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, and ASU for redevelopment of the river corridor.  This brownfields grant will be a key to realizing the Rio Reimagined vision of a community connected to the river with economic growth, environmental stewardship, and access for all.  A greater understanding and knowledge of the environmental conditions for the Rio Reimagined Project area is needed as a first step towards understanding the barriers and opportunities for revitalization of the river itself and the area beyond the banks.

The target area for the grant is within 1.0 mile of the Salt River (Rio Salado), Agua Fria and Gila Rivers within the cities of Avondale, Tempe, and Phoenix, Arizona. Although there is enormous potential for future development, according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and EPA at least 1,189 properties in this area have environmental records and are potential brownfields. These properties create slum and blight, discourage investment and represent potential exposure to toxic contaminants that damage the health of residents.

 Learn more about the Rio Reimagined Brownfields Coalition Assessment Grant