Monthly Archives: April 2016

ADOT pursues federal grants to advance highway improvements

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PHOENIX — Improving traffic flow and safety on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. Helping commerce move on a state route between the border and Interstate 19 in Nogales. Rehabilitating an 850-foot-long bridge along Interstate 15 in northwestern Arizona.

Aiming to move forward sooner on those goals, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking $109.5 million through two highly competitive federal grant programs.

With $800 million available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FASTLANE grant program, established under the 2015 FAST Act, ADOT has applied for $60 million and offered to provide $86.83 million in matching funds to be used in four ways along I-10 between the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas:

• Realigning and widening four miles in the Picacho area to three lanes in each direction while reconstructing the interchange with State Route 87.
• Widening four miles between Earley Road and Interstate 8 to three lanes in each direction while upgrading ramps at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard near Casa Grande.
• Making technology enhancements to improve traffic management and safety, including remote sensors to provide early warning of approaching dust.
• Conducting preliminary engineering and completing an environmental analysis for widening 27 miles of I-10 to three lanes in each direction between the Loop 202 Santan Freeway and approximately SR 387 in Casa Grande. Any plan to widen I-10 through the Gila River Indian Community would require an agreement with the tribal government.

“The impact of Interstate 10 on Arizona’s citizens and economy is huge. Improvements to this vital link between Phoenix and Tucson are critical to our quality of life,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Each element of the FASTLANE grant proposal will advance these efforts to continue improving I-10 and significantly benefit motorists and the flow of commerce.”

Meanwhile, ADOT has submitted Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant proposals for two projects:

• $25 million, with a proposed $39 million state match, to improve the 3.75-mile State Route 189 (Mariposa Road) in Nogales. Proposed upgrades to the route, which connects the Mariposa Port of Entry with Interstate 19 and Interstate Business 19/Grand Avenue, include a raised median and improving ramps connecting with I-19.
• $24.5 million, with a proposed $10.5 million state match, to rehabilitate Virgin River Bridge No. 1 on Interstate 15. Built in 1964 and located just east of Littlefield in the far northwestern corner of Arizona, the bridge has never undergone a major rehabilitation.

Both TIGER grant projects and the two I-10 construction projects in the FASTLANE grant are already part of ADOT’s plans, both through its current construction program and the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program that’s receiving public input and awaiting a vote by the State Transportation Board.

For Virgin River Bridge No. 1, $33 million in construction funding is programmed for fiscal 2019. For SR 189, ADOT has recommended $64 million in fiscal 2021 for construction. For the I-10 projects, ADOT has recommended $85 million in fiscal 2018 for the Picacho area and $40 million in fiscal 2019 for Earley Road to I-8.

Winning grants would allow these projects to move forward faster and enable ADOT to redirect money toward other pressing needs.

“There are no guarantees when it comes to competitive grants, but success pays big dividends for Arizona,” Halikowski said.

Since 2012, ADOT has received a total of $43.6 million through 15 competitive grants, most of them administered by U.S. DOT. Much of that amount comes from TIGER grants for a planned railroad overpass on State Route 347 in Maricopa and the ongoing reconstruction of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 on I-15.

There will be plenty of competition from other states for FASTLANE and TIGER grants. For fiscal 2015, when ADOT won a $15 million grant toward the SR 347 project, U.S. DOT received 627 eligible applications worth $10.1 billion for the $500 million available. About $500 million is available in the current round of TIGER grants.

U.S. DOT is expected to announce awards from both grant programs later this year.

Arizona Game and Fish urges public comment on proposed boating restrictions at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

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CORRECTED 160420, 10:53 a.m.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises constituents to be aware of, and participate in, the public comment process regarding the draft recreational boating Compatibility Determination for the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released the Compatibility Determination on April 12 and opened a 30-day comment period that ends May 12. The Compatibility Determination contemplates the closure of some areas used by recreational boaters on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recognizes the importance of watercraft-related recreation to the Lake Havasu community and has concerns over the short 30-day comment period.

“It astounds me that USFWS is considering this proposal, given the recent history of the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery debacle causing a halt to trout stockings and threatening some of the 1,700 jobs and $75 million generated by anglers along the Mohave County/Clark County stretch of the river,” said Arizona Game and Fish Commission Chairman Kurt Davis. “Thanks to the immediate engagement of U.S. Senator John McCain, U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, and local elected officials, USFWS has been forced to give the public a chance to make their voices heard. Arizona Game and Fish supports a 60-day public comment period extension in order to thoroughly analyze any and all impacts to recreational boating, angling, hunting and most importantly to the local economy.

“I hope that the federal government will once again listen to the public, come to their senses, and realize what devastating economic impacts their arbitrary decisions can have.”

Others are also calling for an extended comment period.

In an April 25 letter to USFWS Director Dan Ashe, Senator John McCain requested an extension, citing concerns over the economic impact of such restrictions.

“By USFWS’s own estimates, between two and three million visitors vacation at Lake Havasu annually,” wrote McCain. “Additionally, an average holiday weekend attracts 50,000 boaters to the area. The regional economic impact of visitors to Lake Havasu City is substantial, and significantly contributes to the greater regional economy… I ask that no decision be made final until a thorough attempt is made to understand and address the concerns raised by local stakeholders.”

Similarly, in a bipartisan letter today to USFWS Director Ashe, Rep. Paul Gosar and 20 other members of the House of Representatives urged an extension of the comment period for an additional 60 days.

“Countless stakeholders and members of Congress from both parties have voiced opposition and are calling on the Service to heed their concerns,” stated Gosar in a news release. “Given the significant flaws with the CD, I’ve called on the Service to drop this proposal. At minimum, the comment period should be extended 60 days as few people understand what is actually going on, including staff within the Service.”

The USFWS has currently scheduled three meetings to provide information and to gather public input.

  • May 2, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    Relics and Rods Hall
    Lake Havasu City Community/Aquatics Center
    100 Park Avenue
    Lake Havasu City, Arizona 86403
  • May 3, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
    Avi Resort and Casino
    10000 Aha Macav Parkway
    Laughlin, Nevada 89029
  • May 3, 2016 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    Avi Resort and Casino
    10000 Aha Macav Parkway
    Laughlin, Nevada 89029


Unless the comment period is extended, comments to the draft recreational boating Compatibility Determination for the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge will be accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through close of business on May 12, 2016. Please send written comments to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Attn: Draft Recreational Boating CD
317 Mesquite Avenue
Needles, CA 92363

Comments may also be emailed to: Havasu_Boating_Comments@fws.gov.

Off-highway vehicle rollover a reminder to practice OHV safety

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers to ensure they are riding safely by carrying only the number of passengers for which their vehicle is designed.

The reminder comes after a Mohave County couple was injured when their single-rider all-terrain vehicle (ATV) flipped recently while on a difficult roadway in the Hualapai Mountains, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. Most ATVs are only designed to carry a single rider.

“It’s critically important for OHV operators not to overload their machines and to make sure they are driving with the correct number of passengers,” said Matt Eberhart, AZGFD OHV Safety Education coordinator. “Carrying too many people in any OHV, especially on a single-rider ATV, dramatically alters the handling of the vehicle and makes it unsafe and unstable for everyone aboard.”

The couple was not wearing helmets as they attempted to reach a ridge on their ATV. Unfortunately, the trail became too steep and the machine flipped backwards, according to authorities. Both were injured and one needed to be airlifted by County Search and Rescue deputies.

AZGFD reminds riders that helmets are required by law for all riders under the age of 18 regardless of the off-highway vehicle type. However, they are strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age. In addition riders should remember to:

  • Wear a seat belt at all times, if equipped.
  • Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Never ride alone.
  • Be prepared and equipped with a map, a first aid kit, whistle and have basic tools on hand.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Take an OHV safety education course designed to teach off-road motorists how to ride safely and responsibly.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s OHV program and safety course options, visit www.azgfd.com/ohv.

Arizona Game and Fish hosts multiagency law enforcement training on Lake Pleasant

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_GF12795_-_reducedPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and law enforcement from around the country are preparing for the upcoming boating season by participating in a two-week joint training to increase public safety on the nation’s waterways.

The training concludes Thursday evening at Lake Pleasant and is designed to prepare every law enforcement agency that patrols the state’s rivers and lakes. The course involved 25 officers from eight Arizona state and county agencies, including AZGFD, Maricopa, Coconino, La Paz and Yuma counties, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City police. Officers from North Dakota also participated in the training.

“These types of exercises are invaluable,” said AZGFD Watercraft Coordinator David Rigo, who is spearheading the multiagency event. “Anytime we can bring together so many partner agencies it places a national spotlight on Arizona and helps to protect the public, our country’s law enforcement and saves lives.”

The training is conducted with upwards of 66 law enforcement and civilians that serve as “violator/suspects” for officers to practice routine watercraft stops, searches, investigations and arrests. Scenarios can be anything from a wake zone violation, operating under the influence, assaults or fishing without a license.

“Just as on land, our officers handle any number of emergencies and criminal investigations, and our officers have to be prepared to handle each one of those types of incidents. It takes specific skills and training to ensure the safety of our officers and the boating public,” Rigo said.

The training is just one way the Arizona Game and Fish Department works to enhance public safety on the water. The department offers free boating safety courses in Phoenix, Lake Havasu City and Tucson.

In addition, the department is expanding its Life Jacket Loaner Station program to include more lakes throughout the state. Currently stations where the public can borrow a life jacket have been placed at Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave and others are planned this spring and summer.

As a reminder, all boats in Arizona must have a life jacket aboard for every passenger and those 12 years old and younger must wear a life jacket at all times, under state law.

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

Kaibab recruiting for Youth Conservation Corp

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azcc1The Arizona Conservation Corps is currently recruiting for Youth Conservation Corps crew members in communities adjacent to the Kaibab National Forest. Applications will be accepted through May 15. This is an outstanding opportunity for young people between the ages of 16 and 18 to learn conservation and job skills and earn financial support for college.

Crew members are being sought from the Williams, Tusayan and Fredonia/Kanab areas as well as other nearby communities. Of special interest, the Tusayan area crew is known as an Ancestral Lands Youth Conservation Corps crew and is specifically recruiting Native American students.

For additional information or to apply, the contact is Judy Tincher, Arizona Conservation Corps, 928-853-7760 or judy@conservationlegacy.org.

North Kaibab Ranger District fuelwood permits available May 2

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FREDONIA — Each year, approximately 3,000 cords of legally cut firewood are removed from the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. This year, the 10-cord maximum per household has been increased to 12 cords, while the price remains the same at $5 per cord, with a four-cord minimum.

“This is a big deal as we have more supply than demand here,” said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker. “We have an ample and naturally occurring supply of firewood on the Kaibab Plateau and this cord increase will aid in improving forest health while also giving our neighbors more fuel to heat their homes.”

On May 2, the district will begin issuing paid personal-use and post and pole fuelwood permits at the district office located at 430 S. Main Street between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. The fuelwood cutting season ends Nov. 30.

Below is a brief synopsis of prices and some regulations to be mindful of when harvesting any dead standing and dead-downed trees on the district. For more detailed information regarding all the permit criteria, regulations, restrictions and maps for the Kaibab National Forest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/kaibab/fuelwood.

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Free-use permits available for fuel-break piles near Jacob Lake

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FREDONIA — The North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest will issue free, personal-use fuelwood permits within a designated 175-acre unit along Forest Service Roads 248, 248A and 247 beginning May 2.

Permits will be available at the North Kaibab Ranger Station in Fredonia. A maximum of four cords per household will be available until treatment of the unit is complete. Consequently, permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies within the unit last.

The free-use permits are valid through Nov. 30, 2016, and will include a specific designated free-use area. Fuelwood in this designated free-use unit may be collected from the horizontally-stacked piles, but the unit may be subject to temporary closure if active wildfire activity poses a safety hazard within the unit.

“Removing these piles within this designated unit will help improve wildlife habitat and forest health by increasing the presence of forbs, grasses and shrubs in the forest understory, reducing excess fuel loads on the forest floor, and decreasing the risk of excessive tree mortality losses from insects, disease and/or future stand-replacing wildfires,” said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker.

For more information about free-use and paid-personal-use fuelwood permits, please contact the North Kaibab Ranger District office at (928) 643-7395 or visit the Kaibab National Forest fuelwood webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/kaibab/fuelwood.

Local fire units respond to 6-acre wildfire near Woods Subdivision

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WILLIAMS — Fire responders from the Kaibab National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and the Williams and Ponderosa fire departments responded to a wildfire yesterday about a mile south of the Woods Subdivision near Garland Prairie. The Dogtown fire, which was reported just after 2 p.m., was contained at 6 acres by fire personnel.

“Due to the remote location, poor access, and expected weather conditions, this fire had the potential for a much different outcome,” said incident commander Grayson Beckley.

High winds can cause rapid spread that can be problematic for firefighters, which may also create a threat to neighboring communities. In this case, however, firefighters were able to contain the wildfire quickly despite high winds.

The cause of the Dogtown fire is unknown and currently under investigation by Forest Service law enforcement. Crews will remain on scene today working to extinguish all heat and smoke found within the fire perimeter, and will monitor the area throughout the week.

With warmer temperatures, lower humidity and higher winds, springtime conditions warrant increased diligence, and visitors are reminded to use extreme caution when using fire in forested areas. Individuals can help in reducing the number of preventable, human-caused fires by completely extinguishing campfires before leaving their camp site.

Although there are no fire restrictions currently in effect on the Kaibab National Forest, managers continuously monitor conditions that may increase fire danger levels at any time. Fire restrictions can be monitored here.

April showers in Williams

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Snow16-04-25-09WILLIAMS — April showers began today in Williams about 11:30 and ran until about 1:15 p.m. While the snow was heavy, the accumulation is less than 1/4 inch so far. The snow is expected to continue through the night with little or no snow accumulation. Tomorrow and Wednesday is expected to be clear with a chance of showers picking up Wednesday night and through the weekend.Snow16-04-25-03

Are you ready to get your Amateur Radio License?

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UPDATED 20160423 9:38 a.m.
800-UV-2501-16-01-08-3If you have been studying to get your Amateur Radio license, you have two chances coming up in May.

The Coconinco County Amateur Radio club is planning an exam for all classes of license on May 14 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. The examination will be held at the North County Health Care classroom. The North County Health Care center is at 2920 N 4th Street in Flagstaff. Visit their web site for information on what you are required to bring for the exam.

In Yavapai county you have an opportunity to become licensed by the Yavapai Amateur Radio club. They require you to obtain an Federal Registration Number (FRN). The requirements can be found on their web site. Their next exam is also scheduled for May 14 and you can take a practice exam on Tuesday May 10. You must pre-register online. The exam will be held in the Jeep Posse Building 1200 Commerce Drive in Pioneer Park behind the outdoor hockey rink (MAP).

The fee for the examination at either location is $15. You can take all three levels of exam unless you fail one along the way. You must pay another fee to continue or you can choose to take what you get and go home to study.

You are not required to know Morse code for any of the exams. That requirement has been stricken. However you can go on to learn Morse code for fun later.

Amateur radio is becoming more popular since lower priced hand held radios have been dumped on the market. They give you more range than those cheap Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios you purchase in department stores. It also gives you access to more frequencies and propagation modes using amateur satellites and even bouncing a signal off of the moon.

There are many other aspects to Amateur Radio including emergency communications during disasters.