Category Archives: State Government

ADOT policy revised based on legal settlement

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PHOENIX – The following statement is provided as an element of a settlement agreement addressing policies of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division involving those who hold federal Employment Authorization Cards:

The Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (“MVD”) has settled and resolved the litigation captioned Lucrecia Rivas Valenzuela, et al. v. Doug Ducey, et al., United States District Court Case Number CV-16-03072-PHX-DGC. Based on recent court decisions and as part of this settlement, MVD has agreed to revise Policy 16.1.4 so that any federally issued Employment Authorization Card is primary identification for purposes of applicants establishing authorized presence under federal law for purposes of A.R.S. Section 28-3153.

Digital license plates now available as option for Arizona motorists

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Technology buffs have a new Arizona license plate option available to them with the introduction of electronic digital plates.

For over a year, the Arizona Department of Transportation has tested this technology on a limited number of its fleet vehicles throughout the state to determine operational capabilities and endurance under multiple weather conditions.

ADOT also collaborated with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to ensure that the look of the plate and its messaging capabilities conform to legal requirements and law enforcement best practices.

The plates, called Rplate Digital License Plates, are LTE wireless connected devices similar to a tablet. The license plate number is constantly displayed, and the technology allows for added messages such as “invalid,” “stolen” and other notifications if needed.

While use of the Rplate is authorized by the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, it’s not available at MVD or Authorized Third Party offices. Motorists who wish to buy the plate must do so through participating resellers, including vehicle dealerships and professional auto service providers or the plate manufacturer, Reviver Auto. The plate’s cost is determined by the manufacturer, and MVD does not receive any proceeds from sales.

For more information: reviverauto.com.

AZGFD Paddlesports training course is first to meet national standard

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) was recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for offering the nation’s first paddlesports class that meets the national standard for ”On-Water Recreational Boating Skills – Human Propelled.” AZGFD’s “Paddlesports Arizona” course teaches fundamental paddlecraft skills that entry-level recreational boaters should be able to demonstrate after receiving instruction.

In addition to conserving and protecting wildlife and enforcing hunting, fishing and off-highway vehicle laws, Arizona Game and Fish is responsible for registering Arizona watercraft, enforcing boating safety laws and educating the public on safe boating practices.

“Paddlesports Arizona” is the first human-propelled boating course in the U.S. to receive this voluntary third-party verification. According to AZGFD Education Branch Chief Kellie Tharp, paddlesports such as canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking are growing rapidly in Arizona.

“As paddlesports become more popular on Arizona waterways, the need to educate people on safe operation has become a priority for our department,” said Tharp. “Boating Safety Education Program Manager Kim Jackson and Boating Safety Education Coordinator Josh Hoffman are to be commended for creating a curriculum that meets ANSI’s stringent national standards.”

To see a schedule of free Arizona Game and Fish Department paddlesports classes, visit https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/17. For more information, contact the Boating Education program at 623-236-7258 or visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Under funding provided by a U.S. Coast Guard grant, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators awarded AZGFD with a uniquely-numbered “Verified Course” mark indicating “The content of this course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.” For more information about the process, please visit the Verified Course page on the NASBLA website.

AZGFD conducting $3.3 million major renovation at Sterling Springs Hatchery

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is conducting a $3.3 million renovation of the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery in Oak Creek Canyon, north of Sedona. AZGFD expects to complete the renovations by June of 2019.

“It’s all about ensuring that successful hatchery operations at Sterling Springs continue for years to come,” AZGFD Statewide Hatchery Program Manager Geoffrey Rabinovich said. “Planning for the future is necessary to maintain and increase current production in order to meet current and future demands of sport fish anglers in Arizona.”

AZGF Photo

The AZGFD-owned hatchery has been in need of refurbishment. The current infrastructure is aging, and some of the piping is more than 70 years old.The pipe, delivery system, valves and concrete raceways are in dire need of replacement. In addition, with decreasing water supplies, it is going to become necessary to be able to operate with less water.

The nearly $3.3 million project for Sterling Springs involves the rehabilitation of the water inflow pipes leading to the hatchery, as well as various spring/control boxes along the pipelines. Also, the outside concrete raceways and water pipelines will be replaced. The project includes a cover canopy and fence around raceways, a new storage building, and a partial recirculation system, among other improvements.

Such renovations are nothing new. In 1984, AZGFD spent $3.4 million to renovate Page Springs, Tonto and Silver Creek hatcheries in order to keep up with increased trout production.

During the Slide Fire in May of 2014, AZGFD initiated a successful fish rescue operation, moving 600,000 trout from Sterling Springs Hatchery to hatcheries that weren’t in fire danger. See video of the rescue.

Rabinovich said he’s grateful that AZGFD commissioners, the governor’s office, and the AZGFD executive staff recognize the importance of the fish hatcheries for the state. Hatcheries play a vital role in maintaining the quality of sport fishing in Arizona.

According to the Economic Impact of Fishing in Arizona report, annual recreational sport fishing produces $1.47 billion in economic benefits for the state.

Sterling Springs Hatchery is the smallest facility owned and operated by the AZGFD hatchery program, yet has a vital role in the program. Each year, the hatchery produces and supplies hundreds of thousands of trout fingerlings to Page Springs Hatchery (the largest trout hatchery in Arizona) to be raised to a catchable size prior to being stocked.

With renovations underway, the hatchery is closed to the public.

ADOT to reschedule State Route 89 closure in Prescott

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PRESCOTT – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers who use State Route 89 in Prescott that overnight road closures scheduled to begin Thursday, January 3, have been postponed because of weather conditions. ADOT will announce the updated work schedule when it becomes available.

Work was scheduled to occur in conjunction with the ongoing project to widen and improve SR 89 between Deep Well Ranch Road and SR 89A. Learn more about the project at azdot.gov/SR89DeepWellRanch.

Receive an OHV under the tree? Don’t forget the safety gear

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PHOENIX — If you happened to be on Santa’s nice list and received an off-highway vehicle (OHV) this Christmas, make sure you have the proper protective gear to get off to a safe start. Whether you unwrapped an ATV, dirt bike or side-by-side, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that you wear the following equipment when riding in an OHV:

Video: GET OUT! Off-highway recreation

  1. Helmet — All OHV operators or passengers younger than 18 are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-safety rated helmet, but they are strongly recommended for everyone.
  2. Eye protection — Motorcycle goggles or a full-face shield are legally required for all riders if the OHV isn’t equipped with a windshield. This helps protect riders against eye injuries from flying debris.
  3. Riding jersey — A long-sleeved riding jersey can protect riders from numerous issues, like windburn and hypothermia. In addition, bright colors will increase your visibility on the trail.
  4. Riding gloves — Wear off-road motorcycle or OHV gloves to protect your hands from flying debris and trailside hazards like branches and bushes and enhance your grip while driving.
  5. Riding pants, hip pads, knee pads and elbow pads — This specialty gear all offers additional protection for riders. Make sure the pieces fit properly and comfortably without restricting movement.
  6. Riding boots — Over-the-ankle boots help prevent foot and ankle injuries, while also giving riders better grip on footrests.

Now that you’re properly outfitted to hit the trail, one of the most important things to wear is a seatbelt.

A number of fatal accidents occur when vehicles roll and pin the operator or passengers underneath. If your OHV is equipped with seatbelts, wear them — they’ll help keep the operator and any passengers inside the vehicle in the event of an accident.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has information about safety courses to teach both new and veteran OHV enthusiasts about safe and responsible riding practices. Get more information online at www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

Utah DWR waves requirement for Utah Lake Powell Stamp

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– AZGF Photo

PHOENIX — As of January 1, 2019, a Utah stamp will no longer be required for fishing on Lake Powell, the red-rock fishing destination and geological wonder that straddles the Utah-Arizona border.

This means some anglers will save on what had been an $8 stamp. In addition, a resident of Utah or Arizona may buy a resident license from their home state and fish the entirety of the 254-square mile lake with only that one license. Likewise, nonresidents may buy one of the fishing license options from Utah or Arizona and fish the entire lake.

The same daily and possession limits for each state will apply.

“This change will be especially beneficial for the anglers of Arizona,” said Chris Cantrell, aquatic wildlife branch chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). ”It’s an example of the collaboration between both of our state agencies.”

On January 1, 2014, AZGFD made a similar change, waving the requirement for a $3 Lake Powell Stamp.

“Utah and Arizona agree on the fishing rules and regulations and converse often on how to amend the rules as needed,” said Wayne Gustaveson, the primary fisheries biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). “The cooperation of the fish managers from both states makes fishing regulation compliance easier for all those who come to the lake to fish. Expect that cooperation and fishing insight to continue going forward as we face more challenges with the lack of water flowing into the lake.”

Lake Powell offers exceptional fishing for numerous sport-fish species including striped, smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as walleye.

“The simplification of this process will allow more anglers to enjoy this fantastic fishing that Lake Powell has to offer,” said Richard Hepworth, aquatics manager for DWR.

Anglers are reminded that Lake Powell is infested with invasive quagga mussels and must still comply with respective state laws for inspection and decontamination when exiting Lake Powell.

For more information about quagga mussels in Arizona, call the AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Program at 623-236-7608. For more information in Utah, visit http://stdofthesea.utah.gov/

Don’t overestimate your abilities when snow and ice are on highways

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PHOENIX – An incoming storm with lower-than-normal snow levels is expected to create slippery driving conditions and limited visibility starting Thursday evening throughout Rim Country, in northeastern Arizona and on steep, winding highways east of the Valley, including US 60, State Route 77 and State Route 177 in the Globe and Superior areas.

Avoid underestimating the power of a winter storm or overestimating your ability to negotiate highways covered with snow and ice. Arizona Department of Transportation snowplows will be out in force, but driving conditions can be hazardous during storms. Highways can close suddenly if enough snow falls in a brief period or if there are crashes, slide-offs or both.

Slow down and drive for the conditions you’re in. Be sure to leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

The safest decision when snow falls and ice forms is delaying travel until the storm passes and highways have been cleared. In addition to the obvious danger if your vehicle and others are stuck on or along a snow-covered highway, this also makes clearing the roadway much more difficult and time-consuming for ADOT’s snowplows.

If delaying travel isn’t possible, leave prepared for the possibility that you’ll spend extended time in winter conditions. Pack an emergency kit with items like extra blankets, warm clothes, food and water, cat litter or sand for traction, a first-aid kit and a fully charged cellphone.

Before leaving, check highway conditions by visiting ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or calling 511 (Not while driving). ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) is a 24-hour-a-day source of updated information and interaction. The free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com delivers immediate information in a specific area if a major highway closes due to a crash or heavy weather.

For Interstate 17 travelers, ADOT’s message boards now provide estimated travel times to Flagstaff, Prescott and other high-country destinations.

Give snowplows plenty of room to work, staying at least four vehicle lengths behind. Avoid passing a plow until the driver pulls aside to let traffic by.

For more winter driving tips, visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet to be held January 12

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PHOENIX — The annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7th Street in Phoenix.

The awards recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

This year’s award recipients, who were selected at the commission’s September 21, 2018 meeting, are:

  • Award of Excellence: Conserve and Protect Arizona (CAPAZ)
  • Youth Conservationist of the Year: Jacob Maher
  • Media of the Year: Mike Russell
  • Conservation Organization of the Year: Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation
  • Conservationist of the Year: Joe Miller
  • Natural Resource Professional of the Year: Kyle Spencer
  • Volunteer of the Year: James (Spud) Hester
  • Educator of the Year: Rebecca Bouquot
  • Mentor of the Year: Tim Denny
  • Advocate of the Year – State: Rusty Bowers
  • Advocate of the Year – Federal: Greg Sheehan
  • Business Partner of the Year: Patriot Ordnance Factory
  • Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year: Navajo Nation Hunter Education Team
  • Wildlife Habitat Steward of the Year: Mike Hemovich
  • North American Model Commissioners Award: Paul Greer
  • ​​​​​​​Chairman’s Award: Salt River Project

Those interested in attending can download and fill out a reservation form and return with a check or cash to the address listed on the form. The cost is $65 per individual before December 31, 2018 and $75 after. Table sponsorships are also available. All RSVP’s are due by January 4, 2019.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission held its first annual awards banquet in 1991. Since then, a total of 391 recipients have been recognized with commission awards.

ADOT’s newest snowplows ready for more high country storms

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With another round of winter storms expected next week, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s snowplow fleet includes 25 new, high-tech vehicles ready to clear state highways of snow and ice.

These snowplows have lighter, flexible blades that ADOT’s trained drivers can adjust from inside the cab to efficiently clear highways, such as when conditions warrant a tighter curl or different angle. The new plows also provide easier handling and improved visibility.

The new Freightliner snowplow trucks, replacing older plows that are no longer part of ADOT’s fleet of nearly 200, are being used almost exclusively on wider interstate highways, including I-17 and I-40 in the Flagstaff area. While many ADOT snowplows have 11-foot wide steel blades up front, the flexible blades on these plows measure 12 feet across.

ADOT purchased the snowplows, each costing $280,000 and weighing 65,000 pounds fully loaded with equipment and deicing materials, as part of a program to maintain a reliable fleet that keeps the traveling public as safe as possible when winter weather strikes.

The bit, or bottom edge section of a flexible snowplow blade, includes a shock-absorbing rubber insulator that improves contact with the highway’s surface. The plow blade acts much more like a squeegee along the pavement, increasing the removal of snow and ice from lower, worn spots created by heavy traffic.

Inside the cab, several high-tech tools help snowplow operators negotiate often-challenging conditions. Joysticks control the blade’s movements. A computerized monitor provides weather data and pavement temperatures as well as information about deicing agents that are distributed from the plow’s dump truck bed. Another screen shows images from separate rear- and side-mounted cameras.

A laser guidance system helps drivers operate a separate blade called a wing plow, which can extend from right side of the vehicle to increase the amount of snow cleared. The laser’s beam, which shines ahead to match where the outside edge of the wing plow will travel, lets drivers know if they need to merge away from objects such as guardrails.

Any snowplow operator, whether in a new or older plow, has a lot to focus on while clearing snow from highways. It’s important that other drivers give snowplows plenty of room to operate. Try to avoid passing a snowplow while it’s clearing snow and stay at least four vehicles lengths behind it.

The new snowplows aren’t limited to use during the winter season. With plow-related equipment removed, they provide year-round flexibility when used as dump trucks for highway maintenance work.