Category Archives: Phoenix

MVD set to implement new law that waives some vehicle costs for survivors of military killed in line of duty

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PHOENIX — A state law taking effect Jan. 1 waives some vehicle fees and taxes for survivors of military members killed in service to the United States.

The law removes the vehicle registration fee and the Vehicle License Tax for one vehicle registered to an eligible surviving spouse or dependent who’s a resident of Arizona. It applies to all types of vehicles ‒ including trailers ‒ and is renewable on an annual basis.

The benefit applies to a surviving spouse or dependent of anyone killed or who died of injuries sustained in the line of duty with any branch of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Coast Guard and Reserves.

To confirm eligibility, the surviving family member must visit a Motor Vehicle Division or Authorized Third Party office and present a U.S. Department of Defense Form 1300 Report of Casualty. Customers will also need to fill out an MVD Survivor of Fallen Military Member Exemption form. This document will be available at azdot.gov/mvd close to the effective date of Jan. 1, 2017, when the exemption can be issued.

The exemption is not applicable to a spouse who re-marries. Dependents from age 18 to 23 must provide a school transcript or class schedule showing at least 12 hours of classes in order to remain eligible.

Southern Arizona endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population decreases

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south-squirrelPHOENIX — An annual survey of the Mount Graham red squirrel recently revealed a slight decline in the number of the endangered squirrels in the Pinaleño Mountains in southeastern Arizona.

The survey conducted jointly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Coronado National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Arizona estimated 252 squirrels. The survey is a decrease of 11 squirrels from the 2015 estimate of 263.

“While we’d prefer to see squirrel populations continually grow, it’s not uncommon for them to fluctuate considerably from year to year,” said Tim Snow, AZGFD terrestrial wildlife specialist. “At this point, we aren’t immediately concerned with the lower squirrel numbers. We remain optimistic that our efforts are working to ensure the population has the best opportunity to flourish in the future.”

The red squirrel survey is conducted each fall by visiting a random sample of known middens, which are areas where red squirrels store their pinecones. Mount Graham red squirrels live only in the upper elevation conifer forests of the Pinaleño Mountains and feed primarily on conifer seeds. Females produce two to seven young per year.

The species was declared endangered in 1987. The Mount Graham red squirrel population peaked at about 550 animals in the late 1990s, but typically ranges between 200 and 300 individuals.

Habitat losses caused by fire, insect infestations and poor cone crops caused by drought are considered primary factors influencing population size. Biologists continue to explore new methods to conserve the species, including squirrel research, habitat improvements and a pilot captive-breeding program.

Conservation of the species is guided by the Mount Graham Red Squirrel Recovery Team, a partnership that includes the Coronado National Forest, Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Arizona, The Phoenix Zoo, Native American tribes and others.

SR 77 project to reduce risk of falling rocks dislodges a whopper

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sr77-rock_cropAn Arizona Department of Transportation project is blasting rock from a limestone cliff to prevent it from falling onto State Route 77 between Winkelman and Globe.

Illustrating the need, one of the rocks dislodged early Wednesday was far larger than expected, an 18-foot-tall block that dropped onto the highway from 150 feet above and forced crews to keep the route closed four hours longer than scheduled.

Crews on the overnight project worked until nearly 6 a.m. to break up the rock and push it off the highway. As a result, a detour using State Route 177 and US 60 remained the only way around the work area as area residents began their morning commutes.

The project requires working nights under a full closure of SR 77 between mileposts 154 and 161, in the Dripping Springs area, using explosives to remove potentially hazardous rocks from a cliff that hangs over the highway.

ADOT strives to provide timely information on restrictions, closures and detours, but occasionally the unexpected happens and announced schedules aren’t met.

Sometimes rocks break at naturally occurring joints beneath the surface that cannot be seen or anticipated, said J.J. Liu, manager of ADOT’s Geotechnical Services division. When the charge is ignited, it opens the crack at that joint and the rock detaches itself, he said.

Having an unexpectedly large rock come down increases the time needed to remove it, particularly with some of the extremely dense types of rock common in Arizona.

“The mountain is composed of the Mescal Limestone Formation with large blocks of limestone up to 155 feet above the highway, periodically falling with great energy and destructive potential,” said Brent Conner, a senior geotechnical engineer with ADOT.

The nature of the geology in the Dripping Springs area could mean more unanticipated delays before the project is complete, he added.

“The large block that fell required drilling and blasting at the roadway level to remove it from the travel lanes,” Conner said. “Last night’s work was one of the most difficult for the contractor on this project, but a couple more difficult sections remain.”

ADOT’s battle against ID theft extends beyond Arizona

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adot-badge_cropPHOENIX — Expertise and facial-recognition technology employed by Arizona Department of Transportation detectives safeguard the personal information of not only Arizonans but those in other states who are targeted by identity thieves here.

Two cases brought by ADOT’s Office of Inspector General highlight these efforts:

In September, detectives investigating fraud involving a motor vehicle record found that Robert Chalue of Surprise had been using the identity of a Maine resident for more than 15 years, resulting in the victim facing credit problems and traffic tickets that weren’t his. The investigation led detectives to Chalue’s home, where they apprehended him along with several identifying documents belonging to the victim. Chalue is facing multiple counts of forgery and identity theft.

In June, ADOT detectives determined that Terry Lee Rice of Phoenix stole the identity of a Georgia man and used it to obtain an Arizona identification card. Their investigation found that Rice used the stolen identity for years to hide from violent crimes committed in Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida, where he faced an extraditable felony warrant. With the help of the Phoenix Police Department, ADOT detectives located Rice, who was booked for the felony warrant plus six additional felony counts related to fraudulently obtaining the Arizona credential.

Facial-recognition technology allows checks against customer records in the state’s driver license database, preventing fraudulent attempts to obtain driver licenses or identification cards. In addition to the work by ADOT detectives, customer service representatives in ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division are trained to detect forgery and fraud when they perform the first checks for discrepancies in application packets.

At least seven of the dozens of identity-theft cases brought this year by ADOT detectives have involved victims beyond Arizona.

“We know the value of keeping your identity intact, so we take identity theft seriously,” said Michael Lockhart, chief of ADOT’s Office of Inspector General. “Facial-recognition technology helps our detectives take identity thieves off the street and keep the identities of residents of Arizona and other states safe.”

ADOT’s Office of Inspector General investigates fraud involving driver license and identification card applications; vehicle sales by licensed and unlicensed dealers; and vehicle titles and registration. It also assists state, local and federal law enforcement agencies with investigations.

Game and Fish Commission to meet Dec. 2 and 3 in Phoenix

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PHOENIX — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 at AZGFD headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix. Each meeting begins at 8 a.m.
The public can attend the meeting or view it on a webcast at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam. The meeting also can be watched on streaming video at any regional office statewide with the exception of the regional office in Pinetop, which is temporarily unavailable due to remodeling.
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 (except Pinetop). The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast.
Items on Friday’s agenda include:
  • A briefing on the status of state and federal legislation related to the department’s mission.
  • An update on the department’s efforts toward accomplishing commission priorities.
  • Requests to approve the five-year rule reports for Article 6 rules of practice before the commission and Article 11 aquatic invasive species.
  • A briefing on California condor recovery efforts.
  • 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.).
  • An update on the Lands and Habitat program.
  • A briefing on the development of the department’s Warmwater Sportfish Vision for the continued management of warmwater species.
  • Consideration of separate memorandums of understanding with Adventure for Charity and Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Inc.
  • Consideration for approving Jack Mann to serve on the Landowner-Lessee/Sportsman Relations Committee.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, the commission will consider Commission Orders 3 (pronghorn antelope), 4 (elk) and 26 (population management) for the 2017 hunting season and amending Commission Order 8 (bison) for the 2017 spring season. The commission will also consider approval of the hunt-permit tag application schedule for the 2017 antelope and elk hunts.
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.

State Route 67 to Grand Canyon’s North Rim to close for winter

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State Route 67 leading to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will close for the winter on Thursday, Dec. 1.

The highway will be blocked to traffic about a half mile from its junction with US 89A at Jacob Lake. With park facilities closed for the winter, the Arizona Department of Transportation doesn’t clear snow from the highway, which leads 43 miles south from US 89A. SR 67 is scheduled to reopen in mid-May along with North Rim lodges, campgrounds and other amenities.

State Route 64 remains open all year to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions and closures, but it’s possible that unscheduled impacts might occur because of weather or other factors. For the most current information about highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.

Inventing an inexpensive shield protects ADOT interstate signs from graffiti

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graffiti-shield1_cropPHOENIX — With graffiti an ongoing threat to interstate freeway signs mounted on overpasses, an Arizona Department of Transportation employee invented an inexpensive metal shield that helps keep vandals and their spray paint at bay.

In ADOT’s culture of continuous improvement, this innovation by Interstate Signing Supervisor Dudley Heller is referred to as kaizen, something enhancing productivity, safety, efficiency and more.

Heller’s aluminum shield extends diagonally away from the sides of signs like a hood, making it difficult for would-be graffiti artists to reach around.

“It’s worked quite well,” Heller said.

For an investment of $17.50 per square foot, the shields protect taxpayers’ investment in signs that cost as much as $10,000 to replace.

The shields protect drivers, as spray paint damages the reflective coating on signs and makes them harder to read at night. They also make things safer for ADOT workers, who’d have to replace damaged signs on overpasses.

So far, ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division (TSM&O) has installed the shields on signs along Interstate 10 in Phoenix and Interstate 19 in Tucson.

“We’ve saved a lot of money by doing this, not to mention the unsightliness of the graffiti being out there,” Heller said.

Governor Ducey reappoints Kurt Davis to Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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kurt-davisPHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced the reappointment of Kurt Davis as a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Davis is currently finishing a five-year term that began after his appointment in 2011 by then-Governor Jan Brewer. He served as commission chair in fiscal year 2016 and was one of three candidates forwarded earlier this month by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board for Governor Ducey’s consideration.

“Kurt has admirably served the commission, Arizona’s wildlife and the people of Arizona,” said Governor Ducey. “He is well versed in wildlife and outdoor recreation issues and is a strong advocate for the state’s wildlife management authorities. His extensive experience in government, communications and business will continue to be a tremendous asset.”

“Serving on a commission dedicated to conserving and protecting Arizona’s wildlife—more than 800 species—is an honor of a lifetime,” said Commissioner Davis. “I look forward to continuing help set policy for the nation’s premier wildlife agency and representing our constituents.”

An avid hunter and angler, Davis is a founding partner at FirstStrategic, a communications and public affairs firm specializing in strategic public policy development for non-profit clients, issues relating to rural Arizona, and government relations. Prior to forming FirstStrategic, Davis served as vice president of public affairs and marketing at Northern Arizona University and before that was vice president of public affairs and corporate communications at Rural/Metro Corporation.

Davis previously served as a deputy chief of staff and executive assistant in the office of former Arizona Governor Fife Symington. In that role, he had policy responsibility for executive agencies such as the departments of transportation, corrections, state land, game and fish, and others. He has also served as director of intergovernmental affairs and issues analysis at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and executive director of the Arizona Republican Party.

Davis was appointed to several positions in the Reagan administration and served as a gubernatorial appointment to the Arizona Board of Regents, the Vision 21 Transportation Task Force, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. He received a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University in 1984.

He is active in the community and has served on the boards of directors of Great Hearts Academies, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and Arizona State University’s Ramsey Executive Program for Public Policy.

Davis’s reappointment for a five-year term awaits confirmation by the Arizona Senate.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a five-member board that sets policy, appoints the Arizona Game and Fish Department director and oversees the department. The commission establishes rules and regulations for managing and conserving wildlife and fisheries resources, and for safe and regulated watercraft and off-highway vehicle (OHV) operations for the benefit of Arizona residents. Commission members are appointed by the governor with the assistance of the Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board and are confirmed by the Senate.

For more information on the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

Drivers are key to reducing I-17 crashes, closures north of Phoenix

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PHOENIX — As the Arizona Department of Transportation seeks to identify and fund projects that will increase capacity on Interstate 17 north of Phoenix, drivers need to do their part by avoiding the poor decisions and inattention behind so many of the crashes that result in closures and backups – and worse, injuries and fatalities.

The steep, winding stretch of I-17 between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point is one of ADOT’s priorities for improvements.

But ADOT Director John Halikowski says no widening project or highway safety measure can be as effective as drivers obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions and driving with patience. A recent analysis found that the driver violation cited in more than 40 percent of I-17 crashes in the Black Canyon City area was “speed too fast for conditions.”

“We drive these highways too and care deeply not only about the time motorists lose in delays but the toll in injuries and lives lost due to speeding and driver inattention,” Halikowski said. “We’re committed to improving traffic flow and enhancing safety on I-17 and won’t stop until we get this done. But we can’t ignore driver behavior. We can all get home sooner and safely if we work together to avoid crashes.”

A recent safety message on ADOT’s overhead highway sign network sums up this approach: Control yourself, control your vehicle, save lives.

“Always drive defensively,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Being constantly aware of your surroundings and the actions of other motorists is especially important in this stretch of I-17, which can see heavy traffic and demands a driver’s complete attention.”

Col. Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, said everyone in a vehicle should promote safe driving.

“Passengers, be a good co-pilot, don’t allow your driver to disregard our traffic laws and drive distracted,” Milstead said. “Encourage them to focus on safe, unselfish driving. Otherwise, they may unexpectedly meet one of our troopers during a traffic stop or collision investigation.”

ADOT will launch an I-17 safety project in 2017 focused on the area between New River Road and Sunset Point Rest Area. The project will add several electronic “speed feedback” signs with digital displays that show drivers how fast they are traveling compared to the speed limit. New signs alerting drivers to highway curves will be installed, along with four overhead message signs to inform drivers of traffic conditions.

“I-17 is vital for passenger and commercial traffic between Phoenix and northern Arizona communities,” Halikowski said. “We’re determined to identify options to increase capacity in that stretch of I-17 while also working with DPS, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and other agencies to emphasize what drivers can do to improve safety.”

No state highway construction closures over Thanksgiving weekend

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sunrise-i-10-vert_cropPHOENIX — 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. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Wednesday through Sunday evening.

While no closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions will remain in place, including narrowed lanes on Interstate 19 near Tucson and lane reductions on Interstate 40 near the California-Arizona line.

Safety is being emphasized in three high-traffic zones that will receive enhanced enforcement from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and extra ADOT resources to minimize travel delays. Along Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson, ADOT crews will stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, for faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles to decrease travel delays.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have an enhanced state trooper presence on highways, targeting impairment and dangerous driving behaviors. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with state troopers, police officers and deputy sheriffs on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign. The Thanksgiving DUI Task Force Campaign involves nine separate statewide task forces and 72 different law enforcement agencies.

Last year, 16 people died in 10 fatal traffic collisions during the holiday weekend on Arizona’s state and local roadways.

To encourage smart driving decisions, ADOT’s overhead signs will display current traffic conditions, as well as safety messages.

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 Travel Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.