Monthly Archives: April 2016

Adopt a Highway volunteers create a more attractive Arizona for all

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Adopt-Highway-16-03-28PHOENIX — With National Volunteer Week underway, how about helping save Arizona taxpayers millions of dollars a year and keeping our highways free of litter?

The 11,000 volunteers with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Adopt a Highway program removed 67 tons of roadside litter last year. And there’s always room for more to join in.

“Thanks to all of the dedicated individuals who participate in Adopt a Highway volunteer programs throughout Arizona and perform such a valuable service for everyone in this state,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Beyond the obvious benefits, keeping roadsides attractive creates a positive impression when visitors travel our highways.”

Becoming an ADOT Adopt a Highway volunteer starts with visiting azdot.gov/adoptahighway and completing an application.
Requirements include:

• Adopting a minimum of two miles of highway.
• Cleaning that segment of highway no less than twice a year for two years.
• Watching ADOT’s safety video before the first cleanup.
• Always wearing safety vests required by the Federal Highway Administration.
• Contacting ADOT before conducting cleanups.

ADOT recommends developing and maintaining a group of six to 10 people per two-mile highway segment. Once a group is approved, the permit holder schedules the date and time of each cleanup with an ADOT contact who will provide trash bags.

To honor her mother, Cecilia Cornejo and members of her family have tended to a stretch of State Route 80 in southern Arizona for the past 10 years. She calls Adopt a Highway a way to make a difference.

“This is an opportunity to keep an area close to where we grew up beautiful,” Cornejo said.

There’s also an Adopt a Highway sponsor program through which businesses may contract with maintenance providers to clean up roadside litter. Information is available at azdot.gov/adoptahighway.

Keep safety in mind with wind and possible snow in forecast

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Snow20160415_174946PHOENIX — With the weekend forecast calling for gusty winds along with the possibility of snow in higher elevations, motorists should be on alert for adverse weather including blowing dust and limited visibility, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Even though monsoon season hasn’t started, blowing dust is possible throughout the year. ADOT’s safety tips for blowing dust, available at PullAsideStayAlive.org, include:

• Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
• If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle and begin slowing down.
• Pull off the roadway as soon as possible; don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to do so safely.
• Completely exit the highway if possible, away from where other vehicles may travel; don’t stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane.
• Turn off all vehicle lights, including emergency flashers.
• Set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
• Stay in the vehicle with seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

Along with wind gusts and dust, drivers may encounter snow and icy roads in the high country, especially above 6,500 feet from Flagstaff through the Mogollon Rim. Motorists in these areas should leave prepared for winter conditions and pack an emergency road kit, including essential items such as a fully charged cellphone, food and water, and warmer clothes. For more winter driving tips, visitazdot.gov/KnowSnow.

For the most current information about highway conditions, closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov or call 511. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) is another excellent resource.

Boaters, watercraft users urged to ‘Spring Aboard’ with boating safety course

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), is encouraging the state’s boating and watercraft users to Spring Aboard and prepare for the boating season by enrolling in a safety education course.

Spring Aboard is a national campaign from April 17 to 23 that encourages boaters to protect themselves and their passengers by taking a safety course before stepping onto a boat or other watercraft.

“Boating is a great family friendly activity, but only if it’s done safely and responsibly,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. “In 2014, 77 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the operator had never taken a safety course. That statistic from the U.S. Coast Guard is telling and illustrates the need for every boat or watercraft operator to successfully complete a safety course.”

Developed by NASBLA, and produced under a grant administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the annual Spring Aboard campaign is open to participation by all states, territories, boating education organizations, instructors and course providers.

“We know from many years of experience that an educated boater is safer and boating is a lot more fun if you aren’t confused or worried the whole trip,” said NASBLA President Col. Darren Rider. “Boating isn’t like driving a car and many boaters – both new and experienced – are uncertain about how to boat safely. The Spring Aboard campaign is our big, unified effort to get all boaters educated now, prior to or during spring break.”

Most states require proof of completion of a boating education course for operators of some powered vessels. During the Spring Aboard campaign, many course providers will offer incentives or course discounts for students who enroll in or complete a course.

“With today’s wide variety of courses available, there’s a course for everyone’s schedule,” Col. Rider said. “Boaters have many ways to get educated, from classroom courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons to online offerings available anytime day or night. There’s no reason to head out on the water without knowing what you’re doing.”

AZGFD offers free courses in Phoenix, Lake Havasu City and Tucson 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 April:

Arizona Boater Education Course

  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 16, Apex Arms Facility, Green Building in Lake Havasu City
  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 16, Arizona Game and Fish Headquarters in Phoenix

Arizona Paddlesports Education Course

  • 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. April 23 and May 21, AZGFD Region 5 offices in Tucson
  • 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. May 14, Biscuit Tank at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

  • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 16, Bass Pro Shop in Mesa. Course costs $30.

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 watercraft users that all boats, including paddleboards, must have a wearable life jacket for every passenger onboard 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. To learn more about Spring Aboard, visit www.nasbla.org/spring.

Final paving scheduled on US 93 north of Wickenburg

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Drivers traveling on US 93 north of Wickenburg (mileposts 185 to 190) should allow extra travel time for next week starting Monday (April 18) through Thursday (April 21) as crews prepare for final paving on the project.

Crews will pave the northbound lanes on Monday and Tuesday (April 18 and 19) and the southbound lanes on Wednesday and Thursday (April 20 and 21).

Delays of up to 20 minutes during work hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. are expected.

ADOT began this expansion project in February to widen US 93 between State Route 71 and State Route 89 which included the reconstruction of the highway into four lanes. This work will complete the widening project.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations, and to proceed through the work zone with caution and comply with the reduced speed limit.

Woman Returns Home to Find Burglar Exiting her House

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On Thursday, April 14, 2016 at about 3:39 pm 911 dispatchers received a call from a woman who reported a burglary in progress at her home located off of Mount Elden Lookout Road. Upon their arrival responding Deputies made contact with the caller and checked her for injuries. They learned that the victim was not assaulted by the suspect and she was uninjured.

According to the victim she returned home exited her vehicle and observed an adult male as he was leaving her house. She confronted the individual and asked him what he was doing. The suspect who was carrying food items and bottled alcohol apologized and said his car had broken down and asked if he could take one of her vehicles to which the victim said no. The suspect left the area on foot to the west of the residence into a wooded area.

The on-duty Patrol Sergeant began to search the area for the suspect and spoke with several hikers and bikers in the area. Several of the subjects the Sergeant spoke with said they saw a man matching the suspect’s description in a vehicle that was stopped on Schultz Pass Road. The Sergeant went to that area and observed a vehicle alongside the road. He made contact with the driver who was identified as 26 year-old Arthur Zampini originally from Glendale, AZ but currently homeless and transient. Mr. Zampini was similar in appearance to the description of the suspect provided by the victim. Upon questioning Zampini admitted to the burglary and also admitted to driving two of the victim’s vehicles away from the residence only to return them. When asked why he drove the vehicles he replied because they were cool.

After inventorying her home the victim reported that cash, miscellaneous food items and bottled alcohol were missing. Arthur Zampini was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility for one count of second degree burglary, one count of first degree trespass, two counts of unauthorized use of motor vehicle, and one count of cultivation of marijuana.

Arizona Game and Fish seeks public comment on rules governing Heritage Fund grants

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department is currently reviewing its Article 7, Heritage Fund grants, rules as part of a scheduled periodic review process.

The department is seeking public comment on the proposed changes to Article 7. The summary of the proposed rule changes can be accessed online at www.azsos.gov/rules/arizona-administrative-register.

If you wish to submit written comments on the proposed rule revisions, please send comments to rulemaking@azgfd.gov by May 15, 2016. When submitting comments on a particular rule, please include a reference to the rule to which you are referring.

Written comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to:
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Rules and Risk Branch
Attn: Celeste Cook
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086

Intermittent northbound I-17 closures start April 17 for overnight work near McGuireville

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PHOENIX — A project to reduce the potential for rockfall in a quarter-mile section of northbound Interstate 17 between Camp Verde and Flagstaff will require closures of up to 30 minutes overnight starting Sunday, April 17, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Drivers using this route between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. should plan ahead and budget extra time on the following dates, when intermittent closures will occur northbound near milepost 292 approaching McGuireville:

• Starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 17, and ending at 6 a.m. Friday, April 22.
• Starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 24, and ending at 6 a.m. Friday, April 29.

The project area is between Middle Verde Road (Exit 289) and the Rimrock/Lake Montezuma/Cornville exit at milepost 293.

Southbound I-17 traffic will be unaffected.

The project will remove rockfall debris and scale slopes to reduce the potential for rock to fall, among other work.

From April 17 through April 29, northbound oversize loads wider than 12 feet will be required to detour around the project area between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. The detour for oversize loads is State Route 260 to Cottonwood, State Route 89A to Sedona and State Route 179 to I-17.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but 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 System at az511.gov or call 511.

ADOT reopens routes to lakes in the White Mountains

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PHOENIX — Three routes to lakes in the White Mountains have reopened after winter closures, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

They are: State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake; State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake; and State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake.

Before heading off to enjoy the mountains, motorists should do the following:

• Make sure all occupants in a vehicle are buckled in.
• Check tire pressure, fluids and more to make sure a vehicle is in proper running condition.
• Be patient, including not following other vehicles too closely and building in extra travel time.
• Get enough sleep before the trip.
• Bring extra water and food.
• Never drink and drive.
• Check for information about highway restrictions and more by visiting az511.gov, calling 511 or following ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

Consumer Labels for Broadband Services

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Comparing prices, performance and network practices of broadband service providers can be challenging, even for savvy consumers. With this in mind, the FCC created Open Internet transparency rules requiring providers to convey sufficient information for consumers to make informed choices about available broadband services. Based on recommendations from its Consumer Advisory Committee, the FCC provides templates for broadband labels – one for landline and one for mobile – that service providers may use to supply consumers with information about their services.

If a provider uses a broadband label template, here’s the type of information you can expect to see:

  • Pricing details, including all of the various charges that seem mysterious to consumers – overage fees, equipment fees, early termination fees, other monthly fees beyond service fees such as insurance, administrative fees, or regulatory recovery fees.
  • Monthly data allowance – namely, the carrier-defined plan limit after which consumers will incur additional charges.
  • Broadband speed and other performance metrics.
  • Network management practices – namely, precautions providers may take to manage heavy traffic on their networks.

Service providers who use the labels will satisfy the FCC’s requirement to make transparency disclosures in the proper format, or a format that meets the needs of consumers. However, providers may still be in violation of FCC rules if the content of their labels is misleading or inaccurate or if they make misleading or inaccurate statements to customers in ads or elsewhere. In such cases, consumers can file complaints with the FCC at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.

The new rules will go into effect later this year, but service providers may begin using the broadband label templates anytime. The labels can serve as a helpful comparison shopping tool for consumers. Look for and consider them when you shop for service.

More information

Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest will offer firewood cutting permits for the 2016 fuelwood season beginning April 15 for the Williams and Tusayan districts and May 2 for the North Kaibab district.

The minimum cost for a personal use fuelwood permit is $20, which is good for four cords of wood. Firewood cutting permits can be purchased at the following locations and during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

  • Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Grand Canyon; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
  • North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

The 2016 firewood cutting season runs from April 15 to Dec. 31 for the Williams and Tusayan districts and from May 2 to Nov. 30 for the North Kaibab district.

Free-use permits may also be available for specific areas on the forest. Individuals seeking such permits should check with the appropriate ranger district office for availability, locations and other information.

All permits issued will include a map and detailed cutting regulations as well as load tags, which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest.

The removal of fuelwood is permitted only from National Forest lands on the district for which the permit is issued. Fuelwood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on National Forest lands.

Fuelwood cutters should be aware that chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless steel spark arrestor screen. Cutters should check with forest offices periodically for information about the implementation of fire restrictions.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps for each ranger district are available on the Kaibab National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/kaibab/fuelwood.