Category Archives: Phoenix

Still time to enter Polaris Ranger drawing to benefit SECC charity campaign​​​​​​​

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Each year the State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC) gives State of Arizona employees the opportunity to voluntarily contribute monetary donations to support nonprofit agencies. The funds raised by state employees support more than 400 charities.

The state employee pledge drive for this year recently concluded, but the public still has an opportunity to assist the SECC campaign. Wildlife for Tomorrow, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide additional support for projects and education activities where traditional resources aren’t adequate, is offering, through a raffle, the chance to win a Polaris custom camouflage Ranger, generously donated by RideNow Powersports. Raffle tickets can be purchased online until December 2, 2017. The winning ticket will be drawn at random no later than December 8.

For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, visit the SECC website at https://secc.az.gov/2017-prizes-and-rules and click on the tabs to “WFT Polaris Ranger Raffle” and “WFT Raffle Rules.”

ADOT seeks input on I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 1 rehabilitation project

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Virgin River Bridge #6 – ADOT Photo

PPHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking input from community members on a bridge rehabilitation project along Interstate 15 in the Virgin River Gorge with a public hearing on November 29 in Littlefield.

Those attending the hearing, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Beaver Dam Lodge, 452 Old Highway 91 North, can review and comment on the draft environmental assessment for the bridge project. A formal presentation is scheduled from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

The hearing will present three issues identified with Bridge No. 1 along I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge as well as a preferred design solution to replace the bridge and widen the roadway shoulders.

The draft environmental assessment, which is available for review through Dec. 14, can be reviewed online at www.azdot.gov/i15ea and at the following locations during business hours:

Mesquite Library, 121 W. First North Street, Mesquite, Nevada
Washington County Library-St. George Branch, 88 W. 100 South Street, Street George, Utah
Beaver Dam Lodge, 452 Old Highway 91 North, Littlefield, Arizona

Outside of the public hearing, community members can provide comments on the draft environmental assessment through the following ways:

  1. In writing: I-15, Bridge 1, 101 N. First Avenue, Suite 2600, Phoenix, AZ 85003
  2. Online: www.azdot.gov/VRB1Comments
  3. Email: projects @adot.gov
  4. Phone: 855.712.8530

No state highway construction closures over Thanksgiving weekend

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PHOENIX – Over Thanksgiving weekend, state and local agencies will focus on keeping motorists safe and placing equipment and resources along heavily traveled highways to help move traffic should incidents occur.

Motorists will play key roles in keeping traffic moving, too, by making smart driving decisions that won’t result in serious crashes that ruin road trips and create travel delays. Drivers are urged to use caution over the holiday weekend in existing work zones and in three “holiday travel corridors” that will receive extra enforcement and resources to minimize travel delays.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Friday through late Monday evening. Road restrictions for ongoing projects will remain in place.

In an effort to reduce crashes and delays that result from speeding and driver inattention, speed limits will be lowered during peak holiday travel periods on a winding stretch of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix. ADOT will reduce speed limits by 10 mph on I-17 between New River and Sunset Point Rest Area. Temporary signs will advise drivers of the lower speed limits. For example, areas where the speed limit is ordinarily 65 mph will have a speed limit of 55 mph.

ADOT is emphasizing safety in three high-traffic holiday travel corridors: Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson. Along those routes, ADOT crews will strategically stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, minimizing travel delays with faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with state troopers, deputy sheriffs and local police officers on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign across Arizona that will patrol state highways, county roads and city streets. The holiday season DUI Task Force Campaign involves 10 separate statewide task forces and 84 different law enforcement agencies and will run through the New Year’s holiday.

Last year, 10 people died in 10 fatal traffic collisions during the holiday weekend on Arizona’s state and local roadways. Impairment was a factor in five of the fatal crashes. To encourage smart driving decisions, overhead signs will display safety messages, as well as current traffic conditions

ADOT has not scheduled any closures or work during the holiday weekend, but travelers should be aware that restrictions in existing work-zones will remain in place. This can include I-10 in Phoenix’s West Valley, I-40 near Kingman and northbound State Route 87 south of Payson. State routes 366 and 473 have closed for the winter season.

Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes and stalled vehicles, motorists traveling during the holiday weekend should:

· Pack extra drinking water and snacks
· Avoid the busiest travel times, if possible
· Get plenty of rest before driving
· Check vehicles, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels
· If traveling to the high country, pack cold-weather clothes and blankets

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Queen Creek TMDL comment period extended.

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The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has extended the period for comments relating to the Queen Creek TMDL. The extension allows for comments to be emailed or postmarked by December 5, 2017.

The View Public Notices and Related Documents can be found here.

Any questions you have regarding the extended comment period or the TMDL document itself can be directed to:

Kyle Palmer
P: 602-771-4540
kwp@azdeq.gov

ADEQ encourages and values your input and participation in our process.

Tonto National Forest to implement restrictions on shooting targets

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PHOENIX — The Tonto National Forest has announced it will implement reasonable restrictions on the types of shooting targets that will be allowed beginning Monday, November 20.

In an effort to reduce the amount of trash being left behind by recreational target shooters, only the following types of shooting targets will be allowed on the forest:

  1. Cardboard, and/or cardboard targets with reusable frames (excluding wooden pallets), which are removed from the site after shooting.
  2. Paper, and/or paper targets with reusable frames (excluding wooden pallets), which are removed from the site after shooting.
  3. Reactive targets designed to move or bounce along the ground when hit, are made of non-metallic materials and removed from the site after shooting.
  4. Self-healing targets, which are removed from the site after shooting.
  5. Metal targets specifically made for firearms. These targets are designed to swing, spin or fall down when struck and are removed from the site after shooting.
  6. Biodegradable clay targets.

“Over the last seven years, volunteer groups who organize and assist the forest with clean-up events have collected 192 tons of trash at these shooting sites,” said Neil Bosworth, forest supervisor. “We’re grateful for volunteers’ efforts, but all visitors should keep in mind that littering on forest land is prohibited and is a punishable offense.

“We want to keep areas open for target shooting. Target shooters can help by removing their targets and trash, including spent shell casings. This benefits the forest by protecting its resources and also fosters a positive image toward target shooting.”

Read the target restriction order on the Tonto National Forest’s website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=44243.

Desert bighorn sheep translocated to Goldfield Mountains

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MESA — The next time you’re out hiking or just meandering in the Goldfield Mountains, take a good look around.

If you’re lucky, maybe way up high on the crags, you’ll see one or more of the area’s newest residents taking a good look at you.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently translocated 14 adult desert bighorn sheep – four rams and 10 ewes – from a healthy population of the animals near Saguaro Lake in Game Management Unit 24B to the Goldfield Mountains, also in Unit 24B.

All 14 of the animals were given an identification ear tag and complete health evaluation before being released. A few were fitted with a GPS tracking collar to better monitor their movements in their new locale.

“The main purpose of this project was to capture several desert bighorn sheep from within Unit 24B and establish a subpopulation within their native range,” said Dustin Darveau, terrestrial wildlife specialist. “This is important for several reasons, one of which is if there ever were to be a disease outbreak, it would not have a devastating effect on the entire population.

“We’re excited because these animals that were captured were placed in excellent habitat that also features a couple of redeveloped water catchments that will help them to easily establish a foothold in their native range.”

The translocation was no small operation. From helicopter pilots, net gunners and muggers – the ones who jump from the helicopter and safely secure the animals on the ground – to dozens of support staff and volunteers, it was a long, hard, but satisfying day in an effort to enhance and conserve Arizona’s wildlife.

The project was a cooperative effort between the department and its partners: Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, Mogollon Sporting Association, Tonto National Forest, and the Arizona State Land Department.

“We have heard so many comments about the professionalism and smooth implementation of this project,” Darveau said. “We can only take credit in the fact that everyone involved at every stage of this project made it so successful.”

2018-19 elk, pronghorn proposed hunt recommendations online

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s proposed recommendations for 2018 and 2019 elk, pronghorn, and population management hunts are available for review online at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

The hunt structures and recommendations were formulated based on a five-year hunt guideline package that was approved in September.

The department recently hosted several “meet the game biologist” events at local businesses and sporting goods stores to discuss and answer questions about game species management and hunt recommendations. For those who might have missed these events, questions or comments about a particular game management unit or hunt can be e-mailed to: azhuntguidelines@azgfd.gov. The public also can call a game management biologist at any of the department’s statewide regional offices. No formal presentations are planned.

The proposed hunt recommendations will be presented for consideration at the next Arizona Game and Fish Commission meeting December 2 at department headquarters in Phoenix. The agenda will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/commission.

For more information about the hunt recommendations and hunt guidelines processes, visit www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Board recommends 2 candidates to governor for Arizona Game and Fish Commission appointment

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board has forwarded the names of two candidates to Governor Doug Ducey for his consideration in making his 2018 appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Leland “Bill” Brake of Elgin and James E. Goughnour of Payson were selected from four candidates who were interviewed by the board at its public meeting on Nov. 15 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters in Phoenix. The four who were interviewed were chosen from an initial slate of nine applicants previously considered by the Appointment Recommendation Board at its November 7 public meeting.

Per Arizona State Statute 17-202, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board shall assist the governor by interviewing, evaluating and recommending candidates for appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The board shall recommend at least two, but no more than five, candidates to the governor. The governor must select and appoint a commissioner from the list submitted by the board.

Members of the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board are William “Jim” Lane (chair), Susan E. Chilton, Charles I. Kelly, Phillip D. Townsend, and Richard B. Williams.

For additional information about the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board, contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at 602-542-2449, toll free at 1-800-253-0883 or on the Web at www.azgovernor.gov.

Red Cross Offers Top 10 Driving and Other Travel Tips for the Holidays

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PHOENIX — Millions of people are expected to travel over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and the American Red Cross is offering tips travelers can follow as they visit loved ones over the long weekend.

“More vehicles are expected on the highways, making travel risks greater,” said Colin Williams, Regional Communications Officer, American Red Cross “Bad weather and distracted drivers also add to the danger, so plan ahead and expect delays.”

DRIVING SAFETY

  1. Make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip.
  2. Pack an emergency preparedness kit and supplies in the trunk.
  3. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.
  4. Check the weather along your route and plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.
  5. Be well rested and alert.
  6. Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive while impaired.
  7. Follow the rules of the road and use caution in work zones.
  8. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
  9. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
  10. If you have car trouble, pull of the road as far as possible.

OTHER SAFETY TIPS

Winter weather:

  1. Keep the car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  2. Pull over and stay with your vehicle. Do not try to walk to safety.
  3. Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
  4. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
  5. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
  6. Keep one window slightly open – away from the blowing wind – to let in air.

Public transportation and preventing the spread of the flu virus:

  1. Everything you touch is likely touched by someone else – luggage, seats, etc. – which is how germs are spread.
  2. Handle your own belongings. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  3. Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
  4. Bring your own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
  5. Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS

People can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid App in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.

ADOT publishes Tentative Long-Range Transportation Plan

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After two years of research and analysis, the public now has the opportunity to comment on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s draft long-range plan, outlining strategies for meeting the state’s highway and bridge needs over the next 25 years.

ADOT’s Tentative Long-Range Transportation Plan, which is required to be updated every five years, is available for comment through Dec. 21 and can be reviewed at azdot.gov/WhatMovesYouArizona. The CiviComment online tool, which is also available on the project website, allows users to comment on the full report or comment on individual pages pulled from the document. The direct link to CiviComment is provided here: whatmovesyouarizona.civicomment.org.

ADOT has spent the past two years drafting this update to the Long-Range Transportation Plan, which looks through 2040. The project team conducted stakeholder outreach, gathered extensive public comment across the state and worked through months of technical analysis.

During the 25-year period of this draft plan, about $923 million in annual highway capital funding will be available from state and federal sources. On average, the Phoenix and Tucson regions are expected to receive $512 million annually. Of that, $223 million comes from voter-approved regional programs in those two metropolitan areas dedicated largely to highway expansion. ADOT’s Recommended Investment Choice calls for all of the remaining annual average of $411 million to go toward preserving and modernizing highways in Greater Arizona.

The recommendation outlined in the Tentative Long-Range Transportation Plan is in line with public and stakeholder outreach, in which most participants listed preservation, safety and modernization projects as their highest priorities for Greater Arizona.

The State Transportation Board approved the Tentative 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan on Oct. 20, allowing it to move forward for public review and comment. The Long-Range Transportation Plan is expected to be finalized in early 2018.

Comments can also be sent to:

  1. ADOT Project Information Line: 1.855.712.8530
  2. Mail:
    Long-Range Transportation Plan
    c/o ADOT Communications
    1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126F
    Phoenix, AZ 85007