The University Of Arizona
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Pinal Central published on February 16, 2024
Editorial: UA research park | Our View | pinalcentral.com
The 2,100-acre Maricopa Agricultural Center was created in the 1980s and consolidated University of Arizona research that moved out of the Valley due to urban growth there. The farm borders the Gila River Indian Community. Since the farm was developed, the city of Maricopa has developed into the largest city in Pinal County, having replaced some private farms in the area. That has created the possibility of change for MAC, and UA now is planning a major research park on some of its land.
The idea is a great one and should provide substantial economic benefits not only to Pinal County but the state. The fact that the site is near the Valley makes it all the more appealing.
UA has been going through some financial problems that apparently stem from underestimating its costs. However, the research park is a long-term project that will involve substantial federal grants. Also, such projects normally involve big public-private partnerships.
Obviously, the world will always need food, and the demand for agricultural research will not end. However, the current plans involve expansion that is partially in another direction.
According to plans shown to the Maricopa City Council, the research park itself would be 300 acres. Another 600 acres would be identified for an “area of innovation.” Some of that would be used for housing and commercial development, commercial ag/tech and agricultural research as well as a college campus. Such projects are part of universities’ work to be relevant and have a positive impact.
Research parks in other places have become huge economic drivers. The potential for this one certainly exists, and that would involve the city of Maricopa and Pinal County in a major way. Besides the direct benefit, technical, business and agricultural research produces incalculable benefits for the nation and humankind.
