Global Water Resources, Inc. Endorses Arizona’s $11.6 Billion Transportation Program with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to SR 347 Projects and Infrastructure Investment

On June 30, 2025, Global Water Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: GWRS), a dedicated water resource management company, expressed strong support for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) adoption of the 2026–2030 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. This program includes an allocation of over $249 million for planned improvement projects along the State Route 347 (SR 347) corridor.

Project Overview and Regional Impact

• The SR 347 projects represent a transformative investment aimed at enhancing safety, improving mobility, and supporting sustainable growth in the City of Maricopa and surrounding regions.
• SR 347 is a vital transportation corridor connecting Maricopa to the Phoenix metropolitan area, currently serving over 58,000 vehicles daily and experiencing significant congestion.
• Planned improvements include expanding the highway by one lane in each direction over a 13-mile stretch, eliminating key traffic signals, and upgrading intersections and bridges.
• Design work is scheduled to commence later in 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in fiscal year 2026.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SR 347 projects align closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – By investing in resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization through transportation upgrades.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing urban mobility and safety to foster inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Supporting water resource management through increased demand for water and recycled water services driven by regional growth.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – Facilitating sustainable development that mitigates environmental impact by improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.

Global Water Resources’ Strategic Perspective

Ron Fleming, President and CEO of Global Water Resources, emphasized the significance of ADOT’s prioritization of the SR 347 improvements as a catalyst for sustainable regional growth. He highlighted that:

• The infrastructure investment supports Global Water’s long-term strategy of organic growth in active water and wastewater connections.
• Accelerated construction activity along SR 347 will stimulate residential and commercial development, increasing demand for water and recycled water services in Maricopa and western Pinal County.

Population Growth and Economic Development

The City of Maricopa is projected to experience nearly 90% population growth, reaching approximately 140,000 residents by 2040, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments. This growth underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure development to meet future needs.

Global Water Resources’ Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

• Global Water Resources operates 32 systems providing water, wastewater, and recycled water services primarily in growth corridors around Phoenix and Tucson.
• The company recycles over 1 billion gallons of water annually, totaling 18.1 billion gallons since 2004, contributing to water conservation efforts.
• Global Water employs Total Water Management (TWM), an integrated approach that maximizes the beneficial use of recycled water and supports smart water management technologies, conservation incentives, and rate designs.
• The company has received national recognition as a ‘Utility of the Future Today’ for its superior water reuse practices and leadership in public asset management.

Conclusion and Further Information

The SR 347 corridor widening project represents a foundational step toward sustainable regional development, aligning with multiple SDGs by promoting infrastructure resilience, sustainable urban growth, and water resource management.

For more information on the SR 347 corridor widening project, please visit the ADOT website here.

Contact Information

• Company Contact: Michael Liebman, CFO and SVP, Tel: (480) 999-5104, Email Contact
• Investor Relations Contact: Ron Both or Grant Stude, Encore Investor Relations, Tel: (949) 432-7450, Email contact

Additional Resources

A photo accompanying this announcement is available here.

Learn more about Global Water Resources at www.gwresources.com.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Global Water Resources, Inc. focuses on water resource management, wastewater, and recycled water services, which directly relate to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses the $11.6 billion investment in transportation infrastructure (SR 347 corridor improvements), enhancing safety, mobility, and supporting regional growth.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The infrastructure projects support urban growth and development in the City of Maricopa and surrounding areas, aiming for sustainable urbanization and resilient infrastructure.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The implementation of Total Water Management (TWM) and water recycling practices promotes sustainable consumption and efficient use of water resources.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Though not explicitly stated, water conservation and recycling efforts contribute to climate resilience and adaptation in water-scarce regions.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated planning and management.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Proportion of wastewater safely treated (implied through wastewater and recycled water services).
   • Volume of water recycled annually (explicitly stated: over 1 billion gallons annually, 18.1 billion gallons since 2004).
   • Water-use efficiency improvements (implied via Total Water Management and smart water management programs).
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Length of transport infrastructure constructed or upgraded (SR 347 corridor expanded by one lane each direction over 13 miles).
   • Investment amount in infrastructure projects ($11.6 billion program, $249 million for SR 347 improvements).
3. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Number of vehicles accommodated daily on SR 347 (currently 58,000 vehicles daily, with improvements aimed at reducing congestion).
   • Population growth projections (City of Maricopa projected to grow nearly 90% to 140,000 by 2040).
4. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Implementation of smart water management technologies such as remote metering and rate designs encouraging conservation.
5. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Extent of water conservation and recycling contributing to climate resilience (implied through TWM and water reuse practices).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sg.finance.yahoo.com