Category Archives: Phoenix

ADEQ Awards $412,000 Water Quality Improvement Grant to Arizona Game and Fish Department

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ADEQ logo resizedPHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today a $412,000 Water Quality Improvement Grant to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to improve water quality in the San Pedro River, Little Colorado River and Oak Creek. AZGFD will provide more than $274,000 in matching funds.

ADEQ’s first formal agreement committing funds from both partnering agencies to specific projects in shared priority areas will also further the goals of multiple state and federal initiatives. Eligible projects will protect and restore water quality, grass and rangeland health and wildlife habitats in priority areas identified by ADEQ and AZGFD in the state Nonpoint Source Management Plan and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program and National Water Quality Initiative.

“We think this will be a great framework for broadening our audience and customer base, and also for potentially implementing projects at low or no cost to landowners beyond maintenance requirements,” said ADEQ Water Quality Division Director Trevor Baggiore.

Leveraging resources across state and federal partners will result in the reduction of impairment-causing pollutants, improvement of grassland habitat for wildlife, improved grazing practices.

Baggiore added, “Teaming up with AZGFD’s Landowner Relations Program, which has a longstanding, strong local presence and ties to rural water management areas, will strengthen ADEQ’s ability to partner with rural landowners in identifying priority on-the-ground projects.”

“Many of ADEQ’ water quality improvement goals dovetail nicely with grassland, rangeland and habitat improvement goals we share with ranchers and other partnering agencies,” said Wade Zarlingo, AZGFD Landowner Relations Program Coordinator.

ADEQ will evaluate the effectiveness of these projects for improving water quality. Matching funds for projects will be provided by a combination of AZGFD state funding, landowner contributions, in-kind services, and Arizona Department of Agriculture Livestock Crop Conservation Grant Program.

Detectives, technology helping ADOT protect customers’ information

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PHOENIX — When the Phoenix Police Department suspected that a man in custody for drug and weapons violations had assumed someone else’s identity, it sought assistance from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General.

ADOT detectives determined that man’s correct identity, confirmed he’d stolen the identities of two others and found that he was a sex offender who failed to register as required by state law for the past two years. He now faces additional charges of forgery and identity theft as well as having weapons charges upgraded to prohibited-possessor status.

Another recent case involving the Office of the Inspector General started when an application for credentials from ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division raised suspicions. Detectives determined the applicant had fraudulently applied through the use of a stolen identity and also was being investigated by the U.S. State Department for fraudulently obtaining a U.S. passport.

The key in both cases: ADOT investigators, supported by technology such as facial-recognition software, detected identity theft as part of their mission of protected Arizonans’ privacy and information.

“The outstanding investigative skills of the Office of the Inspector General are recognized nationally and internationally,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “The implementation of various technologies like facial recognition and the investigative processes that uncover fraud have furthered the capability of the agency to protect the privacy and personal information of Arizona credential holders.”

These efforts complement those of ADOT Motor Vehicle Division customer service representatives, who are trained to detect forgery and fraud and perform the first checks for discrepancies in application packets. The recent adoption of facial-recognition technology enhances the screening process by allowing checks against customer records in the state’s driver license database, preventing fraudulent attempts to obtain a driver license or identification card.

As Arizona’s main agency issuing a driver license or identification cards, ADOT often is called on to aid local, state and federal law enforcement agencies dealing with cases that may involve forged identification documents and identity theft.

“Detectives with the Office of the Inspector General are highly skilled in conducting cases relating to identification documents, and we’re proud that those skills help agencies beyond ADOT protect Arizonans’ information,” Halikowski said.

ADOT’s Office of the Inspector General conducts investigations into fraudulent activities involving driver license/identification card applications, vehicles sales by licensed/unlicensed dealers, vehicle title/registration and providing investigative support to state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.

US 60 east of Superior to close briefly for blasting operations Dec. 22

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PHOENIX — Motorists traveling along US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week need to plan ahead or allow extra time as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work as part of an improvement project to build a new passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior, approximately 65 miles east of downtown Phoenix.

The construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require two full closures of US 60 for up to 90 minutes from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

There will be no blasting closures scheduled from Christmas Eve through the New Year’s Day holiday weekend. Blasting will resume the week of January 4-8 and traffic alert will be issued at a later date.

Crews will also be working Monday through Wednesday night (Dec. 21-23) from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Pilot cars will be used to guide vehicles through the work zone while crews remove blasting debris. Motorists should plan on up to thirty minute delays.

Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227) and traffic on westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235), until the blasting work is completed and the roadway is reopened after all debris is cleared. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at each closure to assist with traffic control.

Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete barrier prior to each scheduled closure.

Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can also take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260 as an alternative.

ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work.

There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project.

Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.

Proposed Arizona State Implementation Plan Revision Rescinding Outdated Provisions to Update the State Plan

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The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) opens a 30-day public comment period today, December 9, 2015, for a proposed revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP). This SIP revision updates the SIP by removing state statutory provisions, administrative and prohibitory rules, and test methods that have been identified as outdated, irrelevant, or previously repealed.

A public hearing will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016, at 9:00 AM in the ADEQ Building, Conference Room 3100A, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. All interested parties will be given an opportunity to submit their comments, data, and views both verbally and in writing. Written comments shall state the name and mailing address of the person, be signed by the person, their agent or attorney, and clearly set forth reasons why the SIP revision should or should not be finalized. To request an auxiliary aid or service for accessible communication, please contact ADEQ’s Human Potential Office Department at (602) 771-4791 or at HPO_AZDEQ@azdeq.gov or dial 7-1-1 for TTY/TTD Services.

If you are unable to attend the public hearing, your written comments should be addressed, faxed, or e-mailed to Justine E. Miller, miller.justine@azdeq.gov, (602) 771-6723, Air Quality Division, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. All comments must be received by January 11, 2016, at 5:00PM.

Copies of the revisions’ proposal are available for review, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., in the ADEQ Records Center, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, (602) 771-4712. The proposal can also be accessed through ADEQ’s Website (PDF). The final SIP revision will be submitted to EPA following consideration of all comments received during the public notice period.

2015 ‘No Burn’ Campaign Kicks Off

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no-burn_modPHOENIX — Officials from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) announced the kickoff of their annual Maricopa County ‘No Burn’ campaign.

Smoke from wood-burning fireplaces and chimineas during winter months poses a serious health threat to children with asthma, the elderly and those with respiratory issues. Smoke, which contains soot particles, can be absorbed into the blood stream and lessen lung function, exacerbate bronchitis and asthma and increase chances for heart attacks and premature death.

Left uncorrected, high levels of Particulate Matter-2.5 (PM 2.5) from smoke could cause Maricopa County to exceed the federal health standards, leading to more burdensome and costly federal regulation.

This is the third year of the ‘No Burn’ campaign and this past winter season was its most successful. For the first time in 11 years, Maricopa County residents benefited from no exceedances of the state and federal annual 24-hour health standard for PM 2.5, on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Maricopa County also met the annual federal health standard for PM 2.5.

“We want to thank the residents of Maricopa County for supporting last year’s ‘No Burn’ campaign, which allowed everyone to enjoy cleaner air,” Maricopa County Air Quality Director Philip McNeely said. “We must remain vigilante, however, because without voluntary compliance, there could be stricter regulations and stronger fines.”

This season, ADEQ and MCAQD are joined by nearly 100 partners and stakeholders including several cities, towns and county agencies, Bashas’ Family of Stores, Arizona Rock Products Association, and the Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors, all involved since the very beginning. This year, several new partners including the Arizona Association of Community Managers, the Better Business Bureau, Tonto National Forrest, and Lyft also are contributing to this worthy cause.

ADEQ Air Quality Division Director Eric Massey said, “Building on last year’s successful ‘No Burn” campaign, the focus for 2015 is strengthening and expanding our partners and leveraging technology to reach more Maricopa County residents than ever before using innovative and cost-effective ways.”

MCAQD issues no burn days throughout the winter season and asks county residents to refrain from lighting wood-burning fires on those designated days. To find out if it is a no burn day, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com, download the Clean Air Make More mobile app or call (602) 506-6400.

For more information, call Caroline Oppleman with ADEQ at (602) 771-2215 or Bob Huhn with MCAQD at (602) 506-6713.

US 60 east of Superior to close briefly for blasting operations Dec. 8

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Motorists traveling along US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week need to plan ahead or allow extra time as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work as part of an improvement project to build a new passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior, approximately 65 miles east of downtown Phoenix.

The construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require one full closure of US 60 for up to 90 minutes from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227) and westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235) until the blasting work is completed and the roadway is reopened after all debris is cleared. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at each closure to assist with traffic control.

Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete barrier prior to each scheduled closure.

Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can also take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260 as an alternative.

ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work.

There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project.

Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.

Interstate 11 receives designation in federal transportation funding bill

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PHOENIX – The designation of two high priority Arizona transportation corridors in the five-year transportation bill approved by Congress represents a step forward for the planned Interstate 11 and the Sonoran Corridor in Tucson and the promise of both to boost Arizona’s economy, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or FAST Act, formally designates Interstate 11 throughout Arizona. It states that the I-11 corridor will generally follow Interstate 19 from Nogales to Tucson, Interstate 10 from Tucson to Phoenix, and US 93 from Wickenburg to the Nevada state line. From there, the Interstate 11 corridor extends north through Nevada, and is designated as an interstate highway north of Las Vegas, through Reno, connecting to Interstate 80.

“Interstate 11 is part of Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors plan that connects our state to regional and international markets while opening up new opportunities for mobility, job growth and economic competitiveness,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “In addition to the formal designation of I-11 and the Sonoran Corridor, having a five-year plan offers the long-term predictability we have been fighting for and helps ADOT better plan, build and sustain a transportation system that improves the quality of life in our growing state.”

Among other provisions related to Arizona, the transportation bill provides for the bundling of bridge projects, meaning ADOT can enhance efficiency by hiring one contractor for multiple repair projects. It also continues funding for Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grants that help states reduce crashes and hazardous materials incidents involving commercial vehicles.

Interstate 11 received a congressional designation from Phoenix to Las Vegas in 2012 under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. The FAST Act designation of Interstate 11, along with the Sonoran Corridor in southern Arizona, does not include funding, but makes the corridors eligible to be funded, along with other high-priority corridors throughout the nation.

The designation reinforces ADOT’s overall concept for Interstate 11 in Arizona. As part of its two-year feasibility study completed in 2014, ADOT focused on and supported the concept of an Interstate 11 that runs throughout Arizona, beginning at the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and ending at the Arizona-Mexico border.

ADOT is beginning work on a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement covering the area between Nogales and Wickenburg. At the end of this three-year study, a preferred corridor alignment will be chosen, along with a preferred mode of transportation for accommodating future traffic needs from Nogales to Wickenburg.

The Sonoran Corridor will run along the planned State Route 410 in Pima County, connecting I-19 and I-10 by passing south of Tucson International Airport.

At 16 miles, the Sonoran Corridor is expected to shorten the average truck driving time by 20 minutes for shipments moving between Mexico and points to the east and provide an estimated $30,000 in total truck cost savings per day. It will enhance connections with other major interstate highways along with established routes and ports of entry to Mexico, Arizona’s major partner for trade and commerce. These daily time savings add up to tremendous overall savings along these major trade corridors. The Sonoran Corridor will be located within a planned aerospace, defense and technology business and research park.

Paving work continues on US 60 in Gold Canyon

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PHOENIX — To better accommodate traffic flow in the area, the schedule for paving work along US 60 through Gold Canyon has changed, with paving now set for 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday next week.

Arizona Department of Transportation crews are replacing worn pavement at intersections in the area east of Apache Junction between Mountain View Road and the highway crossover east of Kings Ranch Road. The work requires lane closures and turn restrictions.

Community members urged ADOT to address deteriorated pavement in the intersections, and the agency made the work a safety priority after assessing roadway conditions.

When an intersection or other location is closed to traffic because of the resurfacing work, drivers will be directed to a nearby intersection or crossover. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use caution when traveling on or turning along US 60 in the Gold Canyon area.

Fire equipment vendors invited to information session

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The USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region announces an information meeting for vendors interested in providing resources to support wildfires and other emergency incidents.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, from 1 to 4 p.m. MST via video teleconference at Forest Service offices throughout Arizona.

The meeting will discuss a variety of topics including:

  • How to become a government vendor
  • How to locate and respond to solicitations through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) system
  • How to read and understand contract requirements for specific equipment

In fiscal year 2016, the Southwestern Region is seeking competitive quotations for Water Handling Equipment, which includes Engines, Support Water Tenders, and Tactical Water Tenders with trained operators to support wildfires during the course of a three-year agreement.

Interested vendors can obtain copies of the solicitations at https://www.fbo.gov. Type VIPR into the keyword search box and press Search to obtain a list of VIPR solicitations from all over the country. Look for the ones from the Southwestern Region, Region 3. You can also search on Solicitation No. AG-8371-S-16-7000.

Vendors can attend the meeting at any of the following Arizona locations:

Apache-Sitgreaves NFs — Supervisor’s Office
30 S. Chiricahua Drive, Springerville, AZ

Coconino NF — Supervisor’s Office
1824 S. Thompson Street, Flagstaff, AZ

North Kaibab Ranger District
430 South Main Street, Fredonia, AZ

Prescott Fire Center
2400 Melville Road, Prescott, AZ

Tonto NF — Supervisor’s Office
2324 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ

Tucson Fire Center
2646 E. Commerce Center Place, Tucson, AZ

For information about VIPR go to: http://www.fs.fed.us/business/incident/vipr.php or contact Anne Weiskircher, Region 3 Fire Contracting Officer, at aweiskircher@fs.fed.us.

US 60 east of Superior closing briefly for blasting operations Dec. 1 and 3

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Motorists traveling along US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week need to plan ahead or allow extra time as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work as part of an improvement project to build a new passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior, approximately 65 miles east of downtown Phoenix.

The construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require three full closures of US 60 for up to 90 minutes:

  • Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 3, at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227) and traffic on westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235), until the blasting work is completed and the roadway is reopened after all debris is cleared. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at each closure to assist with traffic control.

Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete barrier prior to each scheduled closure.

Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can also take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260 as an alternative.

ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work. Monday night, Nov. 30 crews will be using flaggers and pilot cars in several areas on the project to remove rock debris. Traffic delays will be minimal.

There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project.

Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.