Business View Civil & Municipal | July 2022

33 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 either, so we’re the perfect middle ground.” Behavioural health is a relatively new industry for the community, especially compared to mining, the very foundation for the town. Today, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX), the leading producer of copper, owns the Bagdad Copper Mine just 90 minutes outside Wickenburg. As the company’s market share continues to grow, so too does Wickenburg. With such a booming economy and tourism sector, it’s essential the town’s technology and transportation infrastructure is well planned and managed. Wickenburg may be rural, but it’s certainly not dated, especially when it comes to technology. There’s currently a Tesla electric vehicle (EV) charging station with eight superchargers outside Town Hall. Last December, five more charging stations were approved for the EV company Rivian. “We’re one of the only communities with one type of charging station, but soon we’ll have both,” says Suan. “Even though there haven’t been any studies, it’s common sense that while an electric vehicle is charging, you’re going to explore the town. The stations are strategically located downtown, which earns more dollar per square foot in terms of revenue.” Wickenburg has extensive broadband internet throughout the town thanks to Cox Communications, which has been a good partner for the community providing state-of-the-art connectivity. This will be beneficial too, once the Interstate 11 (1-11) corridor is installed. Right now, the proposed I-11 route would connect Phoenix with Las Vegas and, if approved, would run from Wickenburg to the valley between Goodyear and Buckeye before going southwest. This new freeway would open significant new commercial and industrial opportunities for the small town. Expanding this industrial zone is just one goal Suan has for Wickenburg over the next three to TOWN OF WI CKENBURG, AR I ZONA