By: Barbi Reuter
TUCSON, AZ (July 31, 2025) -- Recent coverage of Project Blue has justifiably focused on water use and environmental impact — but a vital part of the story is missing. We’re overlooking the project’s extraordinary potential to strengthen Tucson’s 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’s site with facts on Project Blue, the financial benefits will be significant — far exceeding anything else our region has seen. The first portion of the project will generate $3.6 billion in equipment and construction costs — more investment than any other single project that has been built in Tucson. The project’s 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 Tucson alone. (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’s 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’s future phases, if developed, could generate similar employment opportunities and tax revenues.
I bristle at the notion that construction jobs are “temporary.” 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 — the projects they build are. And in this case, Project Blue’s 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 Tucson website, 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 Tucson with a rare opportunity: millions in private investment, thousands of skilled jobs, and hundreds of millions in tax revenue — 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 — it’s essential. Let’s approach Project Blue with the full picture in mind. Our future deserves nothing less.
Barbi Reuter has lived in Tucson since 1978 and leads a local employee-owned commercial real estate services company. She is married with a blended family and is active in community organizations, particularly those supporting youth and families.