Outgoing Public Works and Capital Improvement Project Director Troy White was recognized Wednesday night by the Queen Creek Town Council as he retires after 16 years.
White started with the town in 2005 working in the Parks and Recreation Department. During that time he was instrumental in closing the landfill and construction of the Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre.
In 2011, White accepted a position in the Public Works Department and was promoted to department director in 2016. The Public Works Department includes streets maintenance and pavement preservation, fleet and facility services, municipal grounds services and environmental programs.
“Troy worked tirelessly to lead a diverse, multiple mission department,” Town Manager John Kross said. “Troy oversaw major improvements to our wash trail system, substantial enhancements to drainage throughout the community and impressive partnerships. Troy offered innovative solutions and a can-do attitude – thank you for continuing to push the community forward.”
In 2021, the town launched a Capital Improvement Project Department, which was previously a division within the Public Works Department.
“Troy has been instrumental in the progress of our 10-year infrastructure improvement plan,” Mayor Gail Barney said. “Thanks to his commitment, better roads are ahead in Queen Creek.”
Milestones of the roadway improvements include:
- Various sections of Ocotillo Road, including the extension to Recker, making Ocotillo Road the first east – west connector all the way through Queen Creek.
- Partnering with Maricopa County to enhance and extend Riggs Road, providing major connectivity to the region.
- Widening Rittenhouse Road to two lanes in each direction all through town, including some major hurdles with utilities and railroad crossings.
- Working with the town's regional partners to ensure north - south connectivity to the upcoming State Route 24 extension.
- Widening Ellsworth Road, the town’s busiest roadway, to three lanes in each direction all through Queen Creek.
White's last item he brought to the Town Council was at the Nov. 17 meeting when he asked them to approve an intergovernmental agreement between the town, Mesa and Maricopa County for design improvement of the Sossaman and Germann roads intersection at the Union Pacific Railroad that is traffic problem for Queen Creek motorists and nearby neighborhoods affected by increased traffic from motorists trying to avoid the troublesome area.
"We've worked on this for so long and I'm excited to bring this to you as my last item," White told council members on Nov. 17.
"It's been so refreshing to work with you and you've done so much for our town to be incredibly proud of," Councilmember Julia Wheatley told White at the Nov. 17 meeting. "Thank you for your leadership."
Improvements to Queen Creek’s roadways will continue under the leadership of CIP Director Dave Lipinski, who was hired in October. Mohamed Youssef is serving as the interim public works director.
