Category Archives: Phoenix

ADEQ Announces $16,635 Brownfield Grant Award to the Desert Hills Fire District, Mohave County, AZ

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PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today two Brownfields Grant awards totaling $16,635 to the Desert Hills Fire District in Lake Havasu to support redevelopment of Fire Station No. 1. The redevelopment will bring the aging structure up to building code and remove harmful contaminants such as mold, asbestos and lead-based paint.

Funds will be used to perform a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and asbestos and lead-based paint survey. The ESA and survey will address both the underlying land and physical improvements to the property by identifying potential or existing environmental contamination and the presence, type and amount of building materials that contain asbestos and lead-based paint, which require cleanup or abatement to protect public health and the environment. The ESA and survey are expected to be completed by the end of March.

Redeveloping brownfields has the potential to reduce environmental hazards, mitigate public health threats, create new business opportunities, increase tax revenue and restore habitats and blighted areas to productive use. Program funds are limited and available to eligible applicants.

Learn more about the ADEQ Brownfields Assistance Program and apply for a grant at azdeq.gov/brownfields.

Pavement repairs continue on northern Arizona highways after storm

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PHOENIX – After another snowstorm earlier this week, Arizona Department of Transportation maintenance crews are patrolling northern Arizona highways to locate and address potholes while they conduct more involved pavement repairs on stretches of Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff.

Crews will lay asphalt over existing pavement to smooth rough sections of I-40 at milepost 86 westbound and milepost 98 eastbound between US 93 and Seligman, as well as between mileposts 170 and 177 eastbound, about 10 miles east of Williams.

In addition, maintenance workers are patrolling the following stretches of highway to locate and fill any potholes:

  • I-40 between mileposts 82 and 139, from approximately 10 miles east of US 93 to six miles west of SR 89;
  • US 180 between mileposts 215-248, from Flagstaff to 13 miles past Kendrick Park;
  • and State Route 89A between mileposts 375-386, from Sedona to a couple miles before the switchbacks.

Potholes can pop up quickly when moisture seeps into and below asphalt, which in northern Arizona can be stressed by the combination of freezing overnight temperatures and daytime thawing. The Flagstaff area usually experiences more than 200 daily freeze-thaw cycles each year. Add heavy traffic, and this stressed pavement can break away.

ADOT has two projects coming later this year along I-40 between Flagstaff and Williams that will add a new layer of pavement in both directions.

AZGFD monitoring threadfin shad die-off at Apache Lake

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently investigated a fish die-off of thousands of threadfin shad at Apache Lake in the Tonto National Forest.

AZGFD collected water samples on Tuesday, Feb. 28 and determined the die-off was caused by a golden alga bloom largely restricted to the riverine portion of Apache below Roosevelt Lake.

Golden alga is not harmful to humans, and therefore Apache Lake remains safe for water activities, including fishing.

“Golden alga thrives on elevated salinity associated with drought conditions,” said Marc Dahlberg, Water Quality Manager at AZGFD. “Therefore, recent heavy rains will hopefully knock down salinity levels and help control golden alga blooms.”

At this point, AZGFD believes the fish kill has been restricted to threadfin shad and a few gizzard shad, both of which are highly sensitive to the toxin produced by golden alga.

The last such fish die-off in this region occurred in 2007, also in upper Apache Lake. However, there were significant fish kills caused by golden alga in Saguaro, Canyon and Apache during the early-to-mid 2000s that affected all fish species.

Fisheries biologists for the Department will continue monitoring water quality and fish health on all Salt River-chain lakes.

SR 260 improvement project to begin next week near Camp Verde

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PHOENIX – To enhance safety and improve traffic flow in a growing area of the Verde Valley, the Arizona Department of Transportation is set to begin upgrading nine miles of State Route 260 to four-lane divided highway between Camp Verde and Cottonwood west of Interstate 17.

The $62 million project, scheduled to start Monday, March 6, also will create seven roundabout intersections at Thousand Trails Road, Coury Drive, Cherry Creek Road, Horseshoe Bend Drive, Wilshire Road and two locations that will accommodate future development.

The work will pick up from the two miles of divided highway that stretch from the edge of Cottonwood down to Thousand Trails Road and also tie in to the roundabout construction on SR 260 east of I-17 at Industrial Drive, a busy commercial area of Camp Verde.

“Once completed, the project will provide safer and easier travel for local residents and visitors in the Verde Valley region,” said Alvin Stump, district engineer for ADOT’s Northwest District.

Crews will start just west of I-17 at Wilshire Road and will begin dirt excavation. One travel lane in each direction, the current number, will be maintained throughout the project. ADOT will work to keep drivers up to date on any necessary closures or restrictions.

The project is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months.

ADOT programs making international commercial traffic more efficient

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PHOENIX – Education and cooperation on both sides of the international border make for safer and more efficient movement of commercial truck traffic between Arizona and Mexico.

That’s the theme of meetings, events and programs the Arizona Department of Transportation offers for transportation leaders, elected officials and heads of trucking firms on both sides of the border. ADOT’s goal: educating the trucking industry about how safety compliance can reduce inspection times and make roads safer.

“There is a great spirit of cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the transportation industry on both sides of the border, and we want to continue that with educational programs and other efforts that will help everyone involved,” said Tim Lane, director of ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division, which conducts safety inspections at Arizona’s commercial ports of entry in addition to making sure commercial vehicles follow federal and state regulations.

In 2015, $30 billion in both imports and exports moved through the state’s border ports, supporting 100,000 Arizona jobs.

“These innovative programs that make our border inspections more efficient have a direct impact on international commerce and Arizona’s economy,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “They are helping improve the flow of commercial traffic while keeping Arizona’s highways safe.”

ADOT, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, holds commercial vehicle industry days to provide information about safety regulations, permitting and the inspection process. ADOT has future plans to conduct commercial motor vehicle training in Mexico to help improve the cross-border experience for Mexican companies and stakeholders.

Members of ADOT’s Border Liaison Unit hold regular meetings in Yuma and San Luis, Nogales and Douglas on topics including permits, weight limits, inspection procedures, brakes and securing loads. The unit also plans annual workshops to discuss crucial issues for cross-border traffic.

Soon, ADOT’s outreach will include sessions in Mexico offering an International Border Inspection Qualification program, in which drivers can receive a certificate documenting their training to help streamline the inspection process and allow ADOT inspectors to focus on those who haven’t completed the program.

“Drivers, trucking companies and law enforcement all agree that safer vehicles are good for both the industry as well as for the public sharing the roads with commercial trucks,” Lane said. “The Border Liaison Unit and the International Border Inspection Qualification program are designed to make that happen.”

Also part of outreach in Mexico will be introducing innovative social media technology to improve communication between drivers and inspectors. In a pilot program, the WhatsApp application will allow drivers to check on border wait times, ask questions and share photos of their vehicles with ADOT inspectors to find out whether something could delay them in the inspection process.

To learn more about the Border Liaison Unit and Arizona-Sonora border relations, visit azdot.gov/BorderLiaisonUnit.

Thousands of Arizonans help shape ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan

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PHOENIX – Playing the part of a transportation planner isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to balancing priorities for Arizona’s highway system with the realities of limited funding.

When the Arizona Department of Transportation turned to the public and stakeholders last fall to tell us what’s most important to them over the next 25 years, nearly 6,000 people statewide responded through a quick and interactive online survey.

The survey allowed participants to rank six transportation priorities: preservation, expansion, safety, technology, accessibility, and maintenance and operations. They worked with a budget and determined how much of it would go toward each priority. Then they decided on trade-off scenarios that further defined priorities.

The results show a mixed bag. Safety, expansion, and maintenance and operations ranked highest, in that order. However, when it comes to allocating funds for those priorities, expansion, preservation, and maintenance and operations got the most dollars, with safety dropping to fourth.

Trade-off scenarios show participants prefer more roads (expansion), smooth roads (preservation) and connected roads (improved accessibility). Much like real-world transportation planning, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to ranking and funding priorities. All survey results will help develop a draft update to ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, which will be available for public review later this year.

The Long-Range Transportation Plan, also known as “What Moves You Arizona,” is updated every five years. While the plan isn’t project-specific, it does identify investment priorities based on current and projected transportation funding over the next 25 years.

The full report detailing results, responses and ADOT’s outreach in metropolitan, rural and tribal areas is available at azdot.gov/WhatMovesYouArizona under the documents tab.

It’s up to the public, policymakers and communities to tell ADOT what’s important to them throughout the long-range planning process, and to prioritize projects and funding.

Visit azdot.gov/WhatMovesYouArizona for more information on ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan and to leave a comment.

Voting is open in ADOT’s Safety Message Contest

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PHOENIX – From speeding and impairment, texting and seat belt use, to general driving safety tips, Arizonans conveyed their thoughts on transportation safety creatively in the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Safety Message Contest.

After receiving nearly 7,000 submissions, 20 finalists have been selected to advance to the next round of the contest. Now it’s up to you to decide which two will appear on signs above Arizona’s highways.

From today through March 15, you can view and vote on the finalists at azdot.gov/signcontest.

Response to the contest was so overwhelming that ADOT expanded the number of finalists from 15 to 20 and increased the winners from one to two. The winning messages will appear on overhead signs one day each in April.

“We were excited to see so much interest,” said Kevin Biesty, ADOT deputy director for policy. “People are reading the signs and we hope they’re taking the messages to heart, sharing with others and choosing to make the roads safer for us all.”

The submissions were clever and original, funny and serious, and on point. Many entrants included comments about how their lives have been affected by dangerous driving. Those personal notes drive home the reason ADOT places safety messages on overhead signs: reducing fatal and serious-injury vehicle crashes.

Even if your message isn’t a finalist, it could still be displayed on message boards. ADOT has already scheduled a contest entry related to an event this month to appear on signs in March and will consider others throughout the year, too.

ADOT began placing unconventional safety messages on overhead signs more than a year ago in an effort to kick-start a change in social acceptance of impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, aggressive driving and other dangerous driving behaviors.

Registration now open for Tomorrow Summer Camp

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PHOENIX – Give your kids the adventure of a lifetime this summer! The Arizona Game and Fish Department and Wildlife For Tomorrow are once again hosting a wildlife and outdoor recreation summer camp for children ages 8-13. Registration is now open for camp sessions being held June 12-15 and June 19-22.

The camp will be held at the department’s Hirsch Conservation Area located on the grounds of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility (northwest corner of Carefree Highway and I-17). Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Each session will include hands-on science experiments, fishing, kayaking, archery, air rifles, wildlife encounters and more. Your kids will have the opportunity to experience that essential connection with nature while having fun and learning more about Arizona’s amazing wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Space is limited and filling up fast, so register now before it’s too late! The fee to attend is $225 per session per child. To register, visit www.wildologyaz.com and click on the “Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation Summer Camp” link. You can register and pay online or download a registration packet. For more information, call (602) 501-4788 or e-mail azgf.summercamp@gmail.com.

Be ready for snow, blowing dust with powerful storm arriving

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PHOENIX – Travelers can expect hazardous driving conditions in northern Arizona from Monday afternoon into Tuesday, while blowing dust is possible in southeastern Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for snow above 6,000 feet along Interstate 40 from an area near Seligman to Winslow, with total accumulation of 8 to 16 inches in Williams and Flagstaff. ADOT will mobilize more than a third of its snowplow fleet to clear snow and ice off highways.

Driving conditions can deteriorate quickly during winter storms, causing crashes that lead to long backups and highway closures. Travelers should be ready to postpone trips until the weather improves.

With strong wind forecast in southeastern Arizona, drivers should watch out for blowing dust between Willcox and the New Mexico line. If caught in a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle and pull all the way off the roadway. Turn off all lights, including emergency flashers, and take your foot off the brake.

Learn more about driving in areas prone to blowing dust at PullAsideStayAlive.org.

Among ADOT’s winter-driving tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow:

  • Slow down: Adjust speed to conditions.
  • Create space: Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Avoid sudden braking.
  • Give snowplows room: Slow down and stay at least four vehicle lengths behind a plow. Wait for a plow to pull over before passing. The safest place to be when there’s snow and ice on a road is behind a snowplow.
  • Leave prepared: Bring extra clothing and gloves, make sure the gas tank is half to three-quarters full at all times, keep cellphones charged and pack extra drinking water, snacks and all necessary medications.
  • Pack an emergency kit: It should include blankets, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a small shovel, a container of sand or cat litter for traction and warning lights or reflectors.
  • Beware of black ice: Melting snow can turn into ice, especially at night. Ice tends to form on bridges first and can be difficult to see.

Motorists should get the latest on highway conditions and any closures from the ADOT Traveler Information Center, available at az511.gov or by calling 511. ADOT’s traffic cameras at az511.gov provide a view of conditions.

Updates are also available via ADOT’s Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook (facebook.com/AZDOT) accounts.

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

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Boaters, watercraft users urged to ‘Spring Aboard’ with boating safety coursePHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), 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 that runs from March 19 to 25 and encourages boaters to protect themselves and their passengers by taking a safety course before stepping onto a boat or watercraft. This year, those who complete one of AZGFD’s free boating safety courses will be eligible to receive a free watercraft rental.

“Boating is a great family friendly activity, but only if it’s done safely and responsibly,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. “The best way to ensure everyone on the water is having a great time is by taking a boating safety course. And because the Arizona Game and Fish Department offers them free of charge, there’s really no reason not to sign up for one today.”

Additionally, those who successfully complete a course are better informed on how to avoid an accident or tragedy on the water.

In 2015 nationwide, 71 percent of the 626 watercraft-related deaths involved a vessel where the operator had never taken a safety course, according to U.S. Coast Guard statistics. It’s with that statistic in mind that NASBLA developed and produced Spring Aboard, utilizing a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard.

“We know that an educated boater is safer on the water,” NASBLA President Stephanie Weatherington said. “If a boater has taken a boating safety education course, the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe and enjoyable experience is much greater.”

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, including AZGFD, 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,” Weatherington 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 and Lake Havasu City monthly 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. March 18, Apex Arms Facility, Green Building in Lake Havasu City
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. March, 18, Arizona Game and Fish Headquarters in Phoenix

Arizona Paddlesports Education Course

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. March 11, Biscuit Tank at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix

The 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.