Category Archives: Phoenix

ADEQ Awards $1.9 Million in Grants to Improve Arizona’s Water Quality

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today seven Water Quality Improvement Grant (WQIG) awards totaling more than $1.9 million to fund field projects aimed at reducing E. coli, excess nutrients and sediment caused by runoff from non-regulated sources in four state waterways the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates as impaired.

Located in ADEQ water protection plan areas, these waterways include the popular and highly recreated Oak Creek and San Francisco River, as well as the San Pedro River and Granite Creek. Each of these waterways is impaired because rainfall, snowmelt and/or irrigation pick up pollutant-containing sediments and deposit them into the waterway.

Polluted runoff from non-regulated sources, such as agriculture, forestry, grazing and septic systems, threatens public health and the environment and can have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries and wildlife. Common pollutants include nutrients and microbes, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia Shigella, for which E. coli tests are used to indicate their presence. Water with high levels of E. coli can cause gastrointestinal problems if unintentionally swallowed while swimming.

“ADEQ’s Water Quality Improvement Grant Program arms qualifying parties with funds to support important projects to prevent and address pollution from non-regulated sources,” said ADEQ Water Quality Division Director, Trevor Baggiore. “We vet each application using a stringent evaluation process to ensure awarded funds achieve the most impactful environmental benefits and outcomes for impaired waters in Arizona.”
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ADOT honored for US 89A repairs after 2015 House Rock flash flood

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800-houserockflood1PHOENIX — After a spectacularly strong monsoon dumped 1.5 inches of rain on northern Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs in just 15 minutes, it was no surprise that mud and rocks had covered US 89A.

But when Arizona Department of Transportation crews arrived on that day in August 2015, what they saw stopped their bulldozers in their tracks: boulders the size of elephants – 15 feet in diameter – and mud in seven different slides that covered portions of 24 miles of the only road across a wide area north of the Grand Canyon.

In the first six hours, ADOT crews from Page, Flagstaff and Fredonia rescued motorists trapped between mud flows, and within about 20 hours they had one lane open across the area. But the rest of the job was too big for ADOT’s local crews to handle.

The solution: A process known as Job Order Contracting allowed ADOT to bring in The S.J. Anderson Company of Mesa to repair damaged sections of the road quickly and at the lowest possible cost. For that rapid and efficient response as well as its value to the public, the US 89A House Rock Flash Flood Project has been recognized as the 2015 Harry H. Mellon Award of Excellence Winner in Job Order Contracting.

Invented in 1982, Job Order Contracting is a competitively bid construction procurement process government agencies use to accomplish a large number of repair, alteration and straightforward construction projects based on a set of locally priced construction tasks and competitively awarded contracts. Since its invention, Job Order Contracting has developed into a popular solution for agencies to manage and expedite construction projects.

The award, presented annually since 2007 by Greenville, S.C.-based Gordian Group, a provider of construction cost data, software and services, recognizes facility owners, managers and contractors who perform essential repair, alteration and maintenance work using the Job Order Contracting system. ADOT’s entry was selected from thousands nationwide.

“This year’s Award of Excellence winner demonstrated the speed, versatility and efficiencies of Job Order Contracting, even in the face of a natural disaster,” said William Pollak, CEO of Gordian. “We congratulate Arizona DOT and The S.J. Anderson Company for the remarkable job they did serving road users in Arizona.”

Even with the challenges of a huge task in a remote location, the US 89A repairs were completed in just 53 days, with ADOT providing on-site inspection. The contractor mobilized within days of proposal acceptance, bringing crews and equipment from around the Southwest.

“This award recognizes a creative approach that allowed ADOT’s Northcentral District to respond quickly, efficiently and effectively to an unexpected challenge,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “Completing the repairs and cleanup of such a large event in less than two months was an outstanding achievement.”

The value of the Job Order Contracting process was clear when a second monsoon storm caused damage while the repairs were underway. Using standard costs approved by the Arizona Department of Administration, ADOT was able to approve the added work without delay and incorporate it into the project.

Gordian presented the award Thursday, Aug. 4, at the ADOT administration building in Phoenix.

Arizona Game and Fish accepting 2017 Heritage Fund Grants

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is now accepting applications for more than $400,000 in Heritage Fund grants.

The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 31, 2016 to be eligible for grant funding, which will be available through a competitive application process in the following categories: environmental education, outdoor education, schoolyard habitat, urban wildlife/habitat, public access, and Identification, Inventory, Acquisition, Protection and Management (IIAPM). This year 501(c) non-profit organizations can apply for grant funds without the need of a sponsor

The Heritage Fund was created after voters approved an initiative in 1990 and is funded through Arizona Lottery ticket sales. Heritage funding goes toward conservation efforts such as protecting endangered species, educating students and the general public about wildlife and the outdoors, and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The grant program was established by AZGFD in 1992 as part of the overall Heritage Fund program. The grants were initially developed as a way to promote outreach to enhance important partnerships and generate fresh approaches in support of the department’s mission.

Since the grant program’s inception, the department has awarded more than $14 million and supported more than 700 projects throughout the state.

Applicants for this year’s grants should refer to the documents on our Heritage Grant web page for guidance on applying. The documents include the Heritage Grant Application Manual, the Heritage Grant Application Form and the various “Heritage Grant Funding Window” documents, which describe eligibility information and provide specific eligibility criteria listed within each grant sub-category.

Potential grant recipients must have a project that is either located in Arizona or involves research in which the wildlife or its habitat is located in the state.

Proposals/applications for these grants can be submitted either by e-mail to rbeck@azgfd.gov or mailed to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Wildlife Grant Administrator, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. No faxed applications will be accepted.

Applicants can submit grant applications up until the application deadline of 5 p.m. (MST) Monday, Oct. 31, 2016.

Upcoming Heritage Grant Workshops
To learn more about Heritage Fund grants and how to apply for the more than $400,000 in available funds, attend one of the department’s workshops being held at the following times and locations:

  • 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Flagstaff regional Game and Fish office at 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  • 2-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22 at the Game and Fish Headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix.
  • 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the Tucson regional Game and Fish office at 555 N. Greasewood Road.

Those planning to attend a workshop, and those wanting to learn more about eligibility for the grant money, should RSVP to Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530. A minimum of three people must sign up for each workshop or the session will be cancelled 48 hours prior to the date.

Active duty military spouse now can purchase resident license

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department now offers a resident license for the taking of wildlife by the spouse of an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is permanently or temporarily stationed in Arizona.

The law becomes effective Saturday, Aug. 6.
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Licenses can be purchased at all department offices and more than 300 license dealers (PDF list) statewide, as well as online by visiting https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml. If a license is purchased online, it must be printed from a home computer. The department will not mail any license purchased online.

The license also will allow the spouse of an active duty member to apply for big game hunt permit-tags as a resident. At this time, more than 300 leftover permit-tags for fall turkey in Game Management Unit 12A are available for purchase on a “first come, first served” basis at all department offices.

The current law states that a license is required by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to take, handle or possess wildlife (A.R.S. § 17-101 and A.R.S. § 17-331). A.R.S. § 17-337 allows a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty or stationed in the state to purchase a resident license permitting the taking of wildlife.

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

ADEQ Grants First Brownfields Project Funds to Tribal Nation

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials announced today the first state brownfields grant award to a tribal nation for $5,500. ADEQ’s grant will provide the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) with funds to conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment on property known as “Mosquito Flats” in La Paz County.

Mosquito Flats is approximately 11 acres of low-lying tribal land located south of the Main Canal, immediately south of Blue Water Lagoon Resort/Park, in Parker, on an entire watershed of roughly 75 acres. Stormwater has created the potential for petroleum contamination on the site, and another environmental concern involves ponding water creating a mosquito breeding habitat.

ADEQ is currently collaborating with CRIT and a comprehensive group of stakeholders to address the issues. The first step is the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and with the official state brownfield designation for Mosquito Flats, the community will have the opportunity to apply for other crucial funding sources that further revitalize, enhance and protect public health and the environment for this community.

“We are pleased to have the ability to expand this opportunity to tribes, and we hope that they will reach out to us and find out how to apply,” said Ian Bingham, Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison at ADEQ. CRIT and 14 other tribes in Arizona are eligible for brownfields funding.

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 in the order that they apply and qualify.

ADEQ Recommends Limiting Consumption of Largemouth Bass Caught in Scott Reservoir, Navajo County

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largemouth-bass_originalPHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, in association with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, has issued a fish consumption advisory recommending that people limit consumption of largemouth bass caught from Scott Reservoir in Navajo County. ADEQ is issuing this advisory because recent analysis of data from fish tissue samples taken from Scott Reservoir contained elevated levels of mercury.

ADEQ recommends that adults limit consumption of largemouth bass to 2.4 ounces (uncooked weight) per week and children 12 years of age and younger limit consumption to two ounces per month (uncooked weight).

This advisory does not limit the use of this waterbody for fishing, bird watching, swimming, or other recreational uses. In general, the level of contaminants in fish is several folds higher than levels found in water.

Any health risks associated with eating fish from this advisory area are based on long-term consumption and not from eating fish occasionally. Fish are an excellent source of protein and can be an important part of a healthy, diverse diet as they are low in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals eat at least two fish or seafood meals weekly.

Dove, band-tailed pigeon regulations now online

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dovesPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2016-2017 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations online at https://www.azgfd.com/PortalImages/files/regs/doveregs.pdf.

The dove season begins Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 15. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged. The possession limit is 45 mourning and white-winged in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. Of the 45 dove possession limit, only 30 may be white-winged, of which no more than 10 may be taken in any one day. There is no bag or possession limit on the invasive Eurasian collared-dove.

The band-tailed pigeon season is Sept. 2-15. The daily bag limit is two band-tailed pigeons per day. Possession limit after opening day is six, of which no more than two may be taken in any one day.

Hunters 18 and older who want to hunt doves and band-tailed pigeons (as well as ducks, geese, coots, snipe and common moorhens) must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as an Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp for the 2016-17 season (the stamp is included with the youth combo hunt/fish license). Both can be purchased online at https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml, or any department office or license dealer.

Reminder: Nominations sought for Game and Fish Commission Awards

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The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2016 Commission Awards. The deadline for submission is Aug. 12, 2016. The purpose of these awards is to 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.

Nominations are for the categories listed below and may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.

Submit a Commission Awards nomination, or download a nomination form. Then submit the completed form and all supplemental materials to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: 2016 Commission Awards – DOHQ, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 or fax to: 623-236-7299 or email to: lroe@azgfd.gov. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. August 12, 2016.
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ADOT, Jared Veldheer partner to promote “Seat belts. For life.” campaign

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Consider that the safety gear worn by football players has the same purpose as a seat belt – help the wearer survive a violent collision.

So, it’s no surprise that the Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona Cardinals left tackle and Captain Jared Veldheer have partnered to promote the importance of wearing a seat belt with the Seat belts. For life. campaign. On Arizona roadways in 2015, there were 258 unrestrained occupant fatalities, which accounts for 29 percent of the people killed in traffic crashes that year. Lack of seat belt use is annually one of the leading factors in traffic deaths.

“I wouldn’t play football without wearing a helmet and shoulder pads, and I won’t drive my truck without wearing a seat belt,” Veldheer said. “Being safe is being smart.”

For the Seat belts. For life. campaign, two public service announcements were produced – “Strong Man” and “Safety Gear” – and each has a 30- and 15-second version. The PSAs can be viewed at azdot.gov, ADOT’s social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and YouTube – and will also appear on television during the fall, thanks to ADOT’s relationship with the Arizona Broadcasters Association.

ADOT is excited to partner with Veldheer and thanks him for volunteering his time for the Seat belts. For life. campaign. Working with the seven-year NFL pro on the subject of seat belts is a natural fit. His left tackle position protects the quarterback’s blind side the same way a seat belt provides security against the unknown for vehicle occupants. In the past five years on Arizona roadways, there have been 1,205 unrestrained occupant fatalities.

“Buckling a seat belt is the easiest thing to do when you get in a car,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Its sole purpose is to help you survive a crash. Let the seat belt do its job – buckle up.”

“More than one in 10 Arizonans don’t wear a seat belt,” added Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Needless tragedies continue because people aren’t wearing a seat belt and parents need to make sure their children are properly restrained, too.”

Meetings kicking off I-11 corridor study draw big turnout

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PHOENIX — The numbers speak volumes about Arizona’s interest in the proposed Interstate 11: Six public meetings held recently attracted 540 community members who shared comments and questions. Hundreds more offered their perspectives online.
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The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Interstate 11 study team visited Casa Grande, Buckeye, Nogales, Tucson, Marana and Wickenburg to involve the community in a process known as public scoping, part of an environmental study to select a corridor alternative between Nogales and Wickenburg.

That had ADOT representatives answering questions, receiving feedback, and encouraging attendees to mark suggestions and concerns on maps of the 280-mile-long corridor study area.

“We’re excited about the high level of interest and engagement that we’ve seen,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “The great turnout and the opportunity for the public to tell us what’s important to them are critical to this process.”

No specific routes for I-11 have been chosen or favored at this early stage in the process. ADOT’s goal is having a selected corridor alternative in place at the end of the environmental study. A no-build alternative will be considered as well.

The next formal public involvement opportunity will begin early next year, when the study team will present possible routes for I-11.

In addition to those who attended the June meetings, 125 people submitted comment forms or surveys and 522 people completed an online survey during a 45-day comment period.

The study team, which also held scoping meetings in Phoenix, Casa Grande and Tucson with representatives of 21 federal, state and local agencies, will now analyze the feedback.

Anyone interested in sharing their views about the study can do so at any time throughout the study process. Information and materials, including a map of the corridor study area, are available at i11study.com/Arizona.

Comments can be provided via mail, email and voicemail:

Email: I-11ADOTStudy@hdrinc.com
Toll-free bilingual telephone hotline: 1-844-544-8049
Mail:

Interstate 11 Tier 1 EIS Study Team
c/o ADOT Communications
1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126F
Phoenix, AZ 85007