Category Archives: Phoenix

MVD in the inbox

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PHOENIX – Innovations that are making lines shorter and services more convenient for Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division customers are coming at a rapid-fire pace. To keep up, MVD is using occasional emails to let customers know what’s new.

More than 1.6 million customers currently get registration renewal updates and will also now periodically receive information about MVD service improvements.

Since 2016, MVD has added more online services options to include:

· electronic title transfers,
· updating insurance information,
· creating personal AZ MVDNow accounts,
· making office appointments for road tests,
· getting the Voluntary Travel I.D., among other services.

About two-thirds of all MVD transactions can be done online.

Other innovations include streamlined office customer service, expanded operating hours, and shorter wait times for phone customers.

“Obviously, people don’t want to be overwhelmed with emails, so any communication will be infrequent and designed to inform our valued customers about improved or added services options. It’s very important that we keep our customers updated about ways we’re working to get Arizonans out of line and safely on the road,” she added.

To sign up for both email registration renewal notification and updates go to the “Address / email change” tab at www.ServiceArizona.com. Those interested in service improvement updates only may sign up for “Motor Vehicle News and Info” at the “Subscribe to Updates” tab at www.azdot.gov.

Need that road test to get a license? Make appointment online

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PHOENIX – Taking a road test to get a driver license can be filled with worry for some people. But one thing that won’t cause anxiety is scheduling the test because it’s among the many online service features available from Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

Online scheduling for road test appointments has been available for some time, and it’s proven to benefit customers in several ways.

“Online appointments take the guesswork out of when you can take a road test,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser-Richards. “Customers simply go to ServiceArizona.com to make their appointment knowing that when they arrive at an MVD location, they will be assured of getting the test done. There’s no more going to an office and hoping that an appointment is available. It saves our customers from taking needless trips and keeps wait times shorter so we can get Arizonans out of line and safely on the road.”

This innovation began in 2016 and results from implementation of the Arizona Management System championed by Governor Doug Ducey. MVD employees are encouraged every day to find ways to improve customer service, and changes like this have helped lower the average door-to-door time to less than 30 minutes at urban offices.

To make an online road test appointment click on the “MVD Office Appointments” tab at ServiceArizona.com.

AZGFD inviting volunteers to construct Roosevelt Lake fish habitat

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Anglers: The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be constructing fish habitat at Roosevelt Lake on Friday, May 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, May 12, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to come help build these structures.

Meet up at the Windy Hill amphitheater parking lot, where Georgia cubes (pictured) will be built. Please bring cordless drills and sawzalls. It will be hot, so come prepared.

If you have any questions, email Bryant Dickens at bdickens@azgfd.gov. We look forward to seeing you there.

See the location of the amphitheater.

What to do if you’re in a boating accident

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PHOENIX – While no one anticipates that their day on the water will be cut short by an accident, all boaters should prepare for the unexpected and know what to do in the event of an incident.

If you are in a collision or accident while on one of the state’s waterways, Arizona law requires you to:

  • stop and render aid at the scene of the accident;
  • help those that have been injured and provide any assistance necessary unless doing so would endanger additional passengers or boats; and
  • exchange names, addresses, contact information and the boats’ identifying numbers with anyone injured in the accident and/or the owner of any property that was damaged.

If it’s an emergency, call 911 if cellphone service is available. When preparing for an outing, boaters should take note of which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction on the waterway in order to call for assistance if needed. In addition, the National Safe Boating Council recommends that boaters carry at least two communication devices that will work when wet. For example, an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and personal locator beacon (PLB) both transmit a coded message to the nearest rescue coordination center.
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Public encouraged to participate in May 10 open house for Milton Road Corridor Master Plan

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation will host a public open house for the Milton Road Corridor Master Plan from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Flagstaff High School Commons, 400 W. Elm Ave, in Flagstaff.

Everyone is encouraged to attend, ask questions and provide input. Visit the project website for more information.

Game and Fish Commission to meet May 4 in Kingman

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The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, May 4 at the Mohave County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, 700 W. Beale Street, Kingman.
The public can attend in person, view the meeting on a webcast at https://livestream.com/azgameandfish, or watch the meeting on streaming video from any regional office statewide. Those who wish to speak to the commission may submit “speaker cards” (blue cards) in person at the meeting or from any Game and Fish office (Friday only).
The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast. See the full agenda.
The meeting begins at 8 a.m. Among the items are:
  • Approval of several consent agenda items.
  • Consideration to implement intergovernmental agreement for the Community Fishing Program.
  • Approval of new commission policy regarding commission compensation and expense reimbursement.
  • Approval of a Salt River Project License Agreement for mitigation ponds.
  • An update on state and federal legislation.
  • Updates on commission priorities and the department’s deployment of the Arizona Management System.
  • A briefing on Gila topminnow recovery efforts.
  • An update on Federal lands planning.
  • Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes, and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife (time certain at 10 a.m.).
  • A request for approval of four applications for FY 2019 Shooting Range Development Grants.
  • An update on the Research Branch’s projects and activities.
  • Request to approve a License Agreement with Arizona State Parks and the city of Safford authorizing a sewer main to cross the Roper Lake property to provide sewer service for Roper Lake State Park.
  • Update on potential rotenone treatment in the Virgin River Gorge in 2018 if drought conditions persist.
  • A request for approval of final rulemaking amending Article 3 rules addressing taking and handling of wildlife.
  • An update on the Information, Education and Recreation Division’s Volunteer Programs highlighting the Pittman-Roberston Act’s match success and the power of the volunteer workforce.
  • Consideration to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department for collaborative management of wildlife, habitat and outdoor recreation within the Maricopa County Parks system.
  • Consideration to approve an Agreement to the Externship Agreement with Midwestern University, extending the term of the agreement for 5 years.
  • A presentation on the Fiscal Year 2020 proposed budget and a proposed modification to the Fiscal Year 2019 budget.
On Saturday, May, 5, the Commission will hold a public workshop beginning at 8 a.m. No legal action will be taken. The agenda includes a discussion of: Department marketing strategy and branding; funding for habitat projects and public conservation education; and protecting state authority to manage wildlife.
To view a copy of the full meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a five-member, policy-setting board that oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For more information about the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

Celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week

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PHOENIX (April 30, 2018) – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is celebrating Air Quality Awareness Week April 30 to May 4, 2018. While there have been improvements in air quality over the last 40 years, Arizona still faces challenges. Weather and climate are big factors in our air quality, but each person can make a difference in reducing air pollution.

“The biggest contributors to air pollution decades ago – industry – are no longer the biggest contributors today. Our air pollution issues are now community-based, which means our solutions are community-based,” says Timothy Franquist, ADEQ Air Quality Division Director. “With 7 million people living, working and enjoying all that Arizona has to offer, small actions add up to big ones. Together, we can positively impact our environment, our economy and our community.”

Monday, April 30: Celebrate the successes. Since 1990, air quality has improved for Arizona even as the population and economy has grown. Plus, the American Lung Association found in their 2018 State of the Air report that some counties and the city of Phoenix were experiencing fewer days of unhealthy levels for certain pollutants compared to the last report.

Tuesday, May 1: World Asthma Day. Almost 100 Arizona residents die every year due to asthma. Hundreds of thousands more suffer from it. Driving less, curbing fireworks use during the holidays and using gas instead of wood fires are all actions that can reduce harmful pollutants.

Wednesday, May 2: Ozone. What type of air pollution can you not see or smell? Ozone. By simply driving less, taking mass transit, reducing idling in lines at drive-thru windows and waiting to fuel up until after dark, we can reduce the amount of ozone impacting our breathing.

Thursday, May 3: PM-10 — also known as dust. Some areas in Arizona are in nonattainment for PM-10, which means they are above a level set by the Clean Air Act and the EPA to control pollutants. This has economic impacts with increased regulation, as well as health impacts.

Friday, May 4: PM-2.5 — also known as smoke. These tiny particles get deep into the lungs and can cause bigger health impacts than PM-10. Smoke from fireworks during the 4th of July holiday may drive those with respiratory issues inside or even to the hospital.

What can you do? You can be a part of the solution! Working together, we can improve air quality across Arizona, allowing each of us to breathe easier. Please help us spread the word.

For information to localize this story to your area and audience, contact ADEQ PIO Erin Jordan at jordan.erin@azdeq.gov or 602-771-2215.

TIPS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY:

  • Ride transit, carpool or telework.
  • Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips.
  • Avoid idling.
  • Refuel after dark.
  • Keep your tires inflated to proper levels and your car tuned.
  • Change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
  • Avoid the use of gas-powered lawn equipment.
  • Avoid dirt roads.
  • Avoid the use of leaf blowers.
  • Use gas or electric instead of burning wood.
  • Limit the lighting of fireworks.

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Rattlesnake Fire closures impact turkey hunts south of Alpine

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PINETOP — On April 26, the U.S. Forest Service announced new closures due to the Rattlesnake Fire burning south of Alpine, which will affect access for turkey hunters heading to Game Management Unit (GMU) 27.

Forest Road 26 is open to vehicles, but the area south of the roadway is closed from FS Road 26 to FS Road 587. Additionally, trailhead closures are in place between FS Roads 26 and 54 east of Highway 191. The Black River south of Buffalo Crossing is also included in this closure.

See the map and closure order for more details (Facebook).

Areas in Unit 27 outside of the expanded Rattlesnake Fire closure area on the Alpine Ranger District that turkey hunters should consider during the closure include:

FS Road 281 all the way down into Blue River.
FS Road 403 just west of Alpine.
The middle mountain area along FS Roads 37 and 405.
The Indian Peak area along FS Roads 58 and 59, just south of Alpine.
FS Road 276 west of Alpine, down into the East Fork of Black River.
FS Road 567 east to Blue River.
FS Road 184 east off of Highway 191.

For updates on the Rattlesnake Fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.

ADOT receives $7 million in federal relief for summer 2017 flood damage

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PHOENIX – The Federal Highway Administration is providing $7 million in emergency relief funds to help cover the Arizona Department of Transportation’s cost of repairing two state highways damaged by flooding last summer. Governor Doug Ducey issued an emergency declaration for both highways. The $7 million reimbursement allows ADOT to put money spent on these emergency repairs toward other highway projects.

A long stretch of State Route 88 northeast of Apache Junction experienced structural erosion following an intense monsoon storm last July. The highway remained open while ADOT made emergency repairs, and now much of that stretch is part of a previously planned safety-improvement project.

On Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona, runoff from areas scarred by the Frye Fire, which started in early June, damaged the upper reaches of State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail. Because of damage to the roadway and concerns about flash flooding from burned areas, the highest reaches of the highway remained closed until mid-September.

The Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program reimburses state and local jurisdictions for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads and bridges damaged by catastrophic events. The emergency funds cover the cost of initial repairs to both highways, emergency repairs to SR 88 and preliminary design work to address longer-term issues from flooding along SR 366. ADOT will seek an additional $4 million in emergency relief funds for permanent restoration on SR 366.

ADOT detectives nab man with Illinois felony warrant

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PHOENIX – A Glendale resident who allegedly used his brother’s identity to apply for an Arizona driver license was revealed to have a felony warrant out of Illinois and has been charged with forgery thanks to Arizona Department of Transportation detectives’ use of facial recognition training and technology.

In late February, Luis Castro, 32, applied for an Arizona driver license using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of his brother at the Glendale MVD office.

ADOT’s facial recognition system found that Castro’s photo did not match the previous photo under his brother’s profile. Detectives, who have FBI training in facial recognition, confirmed this was the case and opened an investigation.

ADOT’s investigation found that Castro’s photo matched a booking photo from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois. Digging further, detectives found that Castro had an extraditable felony warrant out of Cook County for aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and prohibited possessor of firearms.

Confirming that fraud had taken place, OIG canceled the permanent credential. When Castro called MVD looking for his driver license that hadn’t shown up in the mail, detectives made arrangements with him to meet at the West Phoenix MVD office on April 17 where Castro believed he was picking up the fraudulent credential.

ADOT detectives arrested Castro in the parking lot on counts of forgery and the felony warrant out of Illinois. He was booked at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Fourth Avenue Jail.

This case is one more example of how facial recognition technology used by ADOT’s Office of Inspector General protects Arizonans’ identities and helps prevent fraud involving state-issued driver licenses and identification cards.