Monthly Archives: March 2016

ADOT signs to remind drivers about $400 HOV-lane violations

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hovviolationsign1loop202redmtnadotphotomarch2016PHOENIX — Drivers along Phoenix-area freeways can expect to see an additional reminder about the cost of being caught cheating in high occupancy vehicle lanes during weekday rush hours.

Over the next year, the Arizona Department of Transportation will add more than 250 signs that say “HOV Violation $400 Minimum” along Valley freeways with HOV lanes.

The new signs will join existing ones listing the weekday rush hours when HOV rules apply: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. During those periods, access to HOV lanes is limited to vehicles with two or more people aboard or displaying Arizona’s “Blue Sky” license plates. Motorcycles and buses are among other vehicles allowed to use HOV lanes during rush hours.

“These signs will remind drivers that violating the HOV-lane law is costly,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Fines, court costs and the inconvenience of dealing with the traffic ticket are just not worth it.”

The first of the new “HOV $400 Violation” signs have been installed along a 20-mile stretch of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway between Loop 101 and Broadway Road in Mesa. Carpool lanes along that freeway recently were extended between Gilbert and Broadway roads as part of a widening project that is nearing completion.

“We all pay when drivers drive in the HOV lane alone,” said Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead. “Even the best excuse is no excuse.”

There are more than 190 miles of HOV lanes along Phoenix-area freeways.

The new signs will continue to be installed in stages over the next year as part of sign-maintenance projects. ADOT expects to install them as part of the Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 by this summer.

Newest Game and Fish wildlife camera showcases downtown Phoenix falcons

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Phx_peregrine_camPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department added a second wildlife live stream camera to its offerings this week. Now, anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can get a peek into the lives of a breeding pair of peregrine falcons living atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade.

“This is a perfect example of wildlife being everywhere. We think people will be fascinated watching this pair of peregrine falcons and getting a glimpse into nesting, incubating eggs and rearing young, all in live time,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Maricopa County partnered with the department and is allowing biologists to monitor the birds and access the nest site when necessary.

This February, a nest box previously installed by the department was renovated and state-of-the-art streaming video and audio equipment was installed in anticipation of the falcons using the nest box again this season. Since the renovation, the birds have been spending more time at the nest box indicating they intend to nest there again this year. Peregrine falcons tend to use the same nest sites season after season for many years.

The department also launched a live feed of sandhill cranes earlier this year showing the birds wintering in southern Arizona.

“It’s a priority for the department to connect and engage the public with their wildlife. Live feed wildlife cameras are just one tool for doing that,” Babb continued. “If you check the camera and the birds aren’t present, keep checking. If they lay eggs, viewing will be more consistent and predictable.”

Both the peregrine and sandhill crane live streams can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world’s most widespread raptors and are found on nearly every continent. The species nearly went extinct in North American from pesticide poisoning, but thanks to recovery efforts, the species was removed from the U.S.’s Endangered Species Act in 1999. This falcon feeds almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.

ADEQ Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison Ian Bingham Expands Role as ADEQ Communications Director

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Karin Harris, CEO of eGreen IT Solutions, receives a certificate of achievement from ADEQ Ombudsman Ian Bingham for being an original member of the agency’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)

Karin Harris, CEO of eGreen IT Solutions, receives a certificate of achievement from ADEQ Ombudsman Ian Bingham for being an original member of the agency’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)

PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today the appointment of Ian Bingham, ADEQ Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison since 2010, to ADEQ Communications Director. This appointment expands Mr. Bingham’s current service, as he is continuing his role as Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison. In his new capacity, Mr. Bingham will counsel agency executive leadership and direct and manage strategic, proactive marketing and branding activities, internal and external communication and outreach.

Of additional benefit to ADEQ and Governor Douglas A. Ducey’s governmental transformation initiative, Mr. Bingham has designed and implemented processes that remove process waste, increase efficiency and dramatically improve performance since the mid-1990s.

“Widely admired and respected inside and outside of the agency, Mr. Bingham exhibits a true passion for and deep understanding of the value effective communication brings to furthering the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality mission of protecting and enhancing public health and the environment,” said Director Cabrera. “Mr. Bingham leads by example – his commitment to the environment and our community go far beyond his work at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in his service as a member of the Board of Directors for the Stewardship Action Council, Arizona Environmental Strategic Alliance Advisor, and mentoring youth by coaching basketball since 1989,” Director Cabrera added.

Now in his 25th year of agency service, his prior experience includes management positions in the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspections and Compliance and Corrective Action programs, Waste Programs Division Enforcement Coordinator, technical advisor for UST, Arizona Environmental Performance Track Program Administrator, and most recently, Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program Coordinator, and Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee Representative.

Fish kill temporarily hampers angling at Lower Lake Mary in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — A moderate fish kill occurred at Lower Lake Mary in Flagstaff on Thursday, and water quality testing by the Arizona Game and Fish Department has discovered areas of low dissolved oxygen that remained from the past winter.

Lower Lake Mary was stocked with trout Wednesday and Thursday. Although fishing will slow temporarily, be on the lookout for when fish become active on the surface.

The Department will be monitoring the water quality at Lower Lake Mary and will stock more fish once it has improved.

Meanwhile, fishing at Dogtown Lake south of Williams or Frances Short Pond in Flagstaff will be good alternatives.

Forest Service and neighboring communities set Moonset Pit dates

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Williams, Ariz., Mar. 11, 2016—For Immediate Release. The Kaibab National Forest, together with the communities of both Parks and Sherwood Forest Estates will provide the general public access to Moonset Pit, a cinder pit on Forest Service land, to assist residents in creating a defensible space around their homes and property.  The pit will be open on the following Saturdays starting in May through September, to dispose of natural forest debris such as pine needles and branches:

  • May 14, 28
  • June 11, 25
  • July 9, 23
  • Aug 13, 27
  • 10, 24

Moonset Pit is located just west of Parks, off a dirt road, east of Spitz Springs and to the north of old Route 66. The pit will be open starting at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for non-bagged, natural forest debris.

“By creating defensible space around our homes, we can help reduce wildfire risk not only to our individual property but to our entire community as a whole” said Danelle D. Harrison, District Ranger for the Williams Ranger District. “Working together with our partners, to offer this community service each year, shows the importance in preparing both ourselves and our neighborhoods for the upcoming wildfire season. Our community’s safety is of the utmost importance.”

Debris such as garbage, building materials, lumber or other non-natural items will not be accepted.

Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District, Ponderosa Fire District and the Kaibab National Forest are all also part of the 14-member Wildland Fire Advisory Board (WFAB), serving western Coconino and northern Yavapai counties, which seeks opportunities to treat vegetation within their respective communities.

For more information or to volunteer to staff Moonset Pit, please contact Anne Dudley at (928) 635-0417 or Joanie Raetzel at (928) 635-0059.

Additional information on how to create a defensible space can be found at www.firewise.org or www.fireadapted.org.

ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Construction Program: Public comment begins next week

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PHOENIX – Beginning next week, Arizonans will be able to provide input on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual update of projects proposed to move forward in the next five years and how much local, state and federal funding should go toward those projects.

In its Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program for 2017-2021, ADOT was able to recommend a few more projects for Greater Arizona because of additional funding through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, as well as a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. These projects otherwise would have remained in ADOT’s Development Program for projects deemed six to 10 years out.

After the public comment period, which includes public hearings in Oro Valley (March 18), Phoenix (April 15) and Flagstaff (May 20), the State Transportation Board will make its final decision in June about what will be in the updated Five-Year Program.

Among ADOT’s suggestions to move forward on a quicker timeline are two Interstate 10 widening projects in Pinal County (State Route 87 to Picacho Peak and Earley Road to Interstate 8), two widening projects along US 93 and the State Route 347 railroad overpass project in the city of Maricopa. The SR 347 project received a $15 million TIGER grant and a $15 million local contribution to add to ADOT’s $19 million commitment.

“Increased funding opportunities, particularly through the FAST Act, have allowed ADOT to propose accelerating some expansion projects in Greater Arizona that, once complete, will enhance key freight corridors for the movement of commerce,” said Michael Kies, director of ADOT’s Multimodal Planning Division. “Some of these projects are also critical to the overall implementation of the future Interstate 11, which will open the door to greater economic opportunities and competitiveness for our state.”

Facing growing statewide needs and limited transportation funding from traditional sources, ADOT remains committed to preserving the existing state highway system, which is valued at more than $20 billion. ADOT’s proposal meets its goal of $260 million per year dedicated to preservation work, such as bridges in need of upgrades and pavement in need of repair.

The 2017-2021 Tentative Program will be available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan, where a “how to read it” guide is available. ADOT welcomes feedback through Survey Monkey atsurveymonkey.com/r/CJY36HY, email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by calling 1-855-712-8530. The comment period ends at 5 p.m. on May 30.

Here are details for the three public hearings and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting:

March 18 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting at the Oro Valley Town Hall Complex, 11000 N. La Canada Drive, Oro Valley.

April 15 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

May 20 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and board meeting in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

June 17 at 9 a.m.: Board meeting in the City of Holbrook Council Chambers, 465 First Ave, Holbrook.

Artwork and Poetry from Inmates of Coconino Jail to be Showcased at Local Coffee House

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500-Art2FLAGSTAFF — More than thirty artistic drawings and sketches created by individuals while they were in-custody at the Coconino County Jail will be on display at Firecreek Coffee located at 22 East Route 66, Flagstaff, Arizona. The event will take place on Friday, March 25, 2016 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and is open to the public free of charge. This event also will highlight a compilation of poems and literary pieces completed by inmates titled “My Self Portrait.”

The art and poetry are from inmates enrolled in the Coconino County Detention Facility Exodus program which is an in-custody substance abuse treatment program for men and women detained within the jail. Goals of the Exodus Program include:

• Reduce the impact substance abuse has on our community.
• Provide therapeutic and educational services to assist addicted inmates in making the decision to avoid future alcohol or drug consumption.
• Enhance inmates’ ability to make positive changes in their lives.
• Strengthen families, reduce recidivism and provide a proactive response to alcohol and substance abuse related crimes.
500-Art3
The Exodus Program incorporates parenting classes, health education, creative writing, expressive art classes, stress management training and other life skills lessons that are provided by staff and outside agencies. Our on-staff art and creative writing teacher recognized the extraordinary artistic talent possessed by many of the men and women who participate in the Exodus Program. The Sheriff’s Office hopes this art display will enlighten community members as to the value and abilities of many of our inmates.

We would like to thank Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, Hidden Light Framing and Firecreek Coffee for their vision to see the value of this project and for their support and contributions.

Please visit the Coconino Sheriff Facebook page to get a preview of some of the art that will be showcased.

Improvements to I-40 Canyon Diablo bridges east of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — The $1.4 million Arizona Department of Transportation project began earlier this month. Crews will maintain a single-lane on eastbound I-40 across the bridge through fall of 2016. Westbound I-40 also will utilize one lane intermittently throughout the project while the westbound bridge surface is being improved. Access across the bridge will be maintained at all times, with loads restricted to a 12’ maximum width for the duration of the project.

Crews will generally work weekdays during daylight hours, though occasional night and weekend work may be required.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, obey posted speed limits and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

As Arizona’s boating season approaches, prepare with a safety course

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PHOENIX — Spring and summer isn’t far off and Arizona’s waterways will soon be teeming with activity. To make sure you’re ready for another great boating and paddling season, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends all water users to take a boating safety course.

The department offers free courses in Phoenix and Lake Havasu City every month to provide water users the information and tips needed to stay safe while on the water. Each year many deaths and injuries on Arizona’s waterways are the result of people who don’t know how to operate a watercraft properly or how to act to avoid placing themselves in danger.

For more information on boating safety or to register for a hands-on or online safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating and click “Boating Safety Education.” Below is a list of hands-on boating safety courses scheduled for March:

Arizona Boater Education Course

  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 19, Apex Arms Facility, Green Building, Lake Havasu City
  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 19, Arizona Game and Fish Headquarters, Phoenix

Arizona Paddlesports Education Course

  • 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. March 26, Biscuit Tank at Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Phoenix.

Department’s courses include instruction on the basic skills needed to safely operate a boat or personal watercraft, trailering your vessel, navigational rules, buoys, anchoring, legal requirements, boating emergencies, watersports and paddling. In addition, most insurance companies offer a discount on boat or watercraft insurance rates for completing a course.

The department also reminds all watercraft users that boats in Arizona must have a life jacket aboard for every passenger aboard and those 12 years old and younger must wear a life jacket at all times, under state law. Users should also check to make sure a life jacket fits properly by ensuring there is no excess room above the openings of the jacket and that it does not ride up over the chin or face.

For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

International Sportsmen’s Expo is March 10-13 in Scottsdale

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) and Arizona Boat Show will be held March 10-13 in its new location at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, in Scottsdale.

The show has doubled to more than 300 exhibitors in two large buildings and outdoor space. Click here to see a list of attractions and exhibitors.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will once again have a presence at the show, with a general information booth (where you can buy licenses or sign up for a free Portal account), and a booth providing information on our condor recovery program and how voluntary use of non-lead ammunition (or packing out gut piles) when hunting game in the condors’ core range helps condor conservation.

Please note that the annual Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Assets Sale will not be held at the ISE show this year and will move to the AZ Game and Fish Outdoor Expo being held April 2-3 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.

ISE/Arizona Boat Show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, March 10-12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 13. Admission is $12 for adults, and free to youth age 15 and under. Parking is $5.

For more information, visit www.sportsexpos.com/attend/scottsdale.