TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION, AZ (Tucson News Now) – (March 31) Tribal police and the FBI are investigating a shooting involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent on the Tohono O’odham Nation.
The border patrol said the driver of a truck tried to run over an agent who was standing outside his marked unit around 12:30 a.m. on a road outside San Miguel, according to Sgt. Bryan Flowers.
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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues to gather comments on the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program while reaching out to the public and communities statewide for their input on the direction of the program over the next five years.
The third in the series of public hearings will be held in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow the public hearing.
The Five-Year Program is updated every year and serves as a blueprint that details where, when and how regional, state and federal funding will be spent for projects over the next five years to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. This includes highways, bridges, transit and aviation.
Much like the current Five-Year Program, the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program reflects a major focus on preserving the existing state highway system to keep it in good repair, while moving some programmed projects forward. ADOT must prioritize projects due to stagnant revenue from the gas and vehicle license taxes and from decreased federal funding — all of which support the Five-Year Program. Last year, ADOT cut $350 million from the 2014-2018 Five-Year Program because of substantially decreased revenue dedicated to transportation. No additional funding cuts are forecast for the 2015-2019 Five-Year Program; however, overall state and federal transportation funding continues to be flat.
The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program includes a three percent increase in preservation spending over the 2014-2018 Program, with a steady increase in preservation funding over the next 10 years. Preserving the system means protecting our investment of $18.4 billion; this is the estimated value of the state highway system. The funding for the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program looks like this:
Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases.
The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram. ADOT has developed a “how to read it” guide and welcomes feedback at fiveyearprogram@azdot.gov.
The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments received by May 20. The first public hearing was held in March in Phoenix. The third and final public hearing will be held on May 9 in Flagstaff.
The board is expected to adopt the final 2015-2019 Five-Year Program at the June 13 meeting in Willcox at the City of Willcox Council Chambers, 300 W. Rex Allen Drive.
Delays of up to 15 minutes expected for the next two weeks
Crews will begin milling the asphalt on State Route 89 on White Spar Road in Prescott starting on Thursday, April 10, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Over the next two weeks drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes at a time between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Once the asphalt has been removed, crews will need time to build the road up in areas along the project and as a result, the existing roadway will be a dirt surface until the road is ready for pavement.
The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. ADOT advises drivers and bicyclists to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage.
FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Attorney office will conduct another Citizen Prosecutor Academy on Friday May 2d from 8:30 to 5 pm.
The day-long academy is taught by various experts from the Coconino County Attorney’s Office as well as other professionals from the criminal justice system. Attendees will learn how criminal cases are handled from intake/grand jury through trial to appeal. They can also expect a lecture presented by the Medical Examiner and a presentation about the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab. Participants will gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of real-world prosecution and law enforcement. You can see a sample of lectures from their previous agenda.
“We are excited to continue our academy which brings the community into the office to share information, exchange ideas, and facilitate a better understanding of how the County Attorney’s Office serves the public. It’s also a lot of fun,” County Attorney Rozema stated in the press release.
The class sizes are limited so interested parties should apply as soon as possible. You can download an application by clicking here.
WILLIAMS – Habitat for Humanity will hold their Grand Opry at the Rodeo Barn this Friday, April 11 from 6:30 to 9 pm. The evening of music, fun and dinner will benefit the activities of the Williams Habitat for Humanity.
This annual fundraiser will feature country music with special guests Aquilla Larson and Caroline Barlow. Events include dancing, raffle, door prizes and cake walk. Hotdogs, soda, and water will be on sale, but popcorn will be available free. The Kiwanis club of Williams will have a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6 pm.
Adults $6, Students and Seniors over 62 $3, Family of 4 or more $15