Category Archives: News

Board of Supervisors adopt National Park Improvement Resolution

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution this week supporting the use of county resources for infrastructure improvements in the United States’ National Parks.

In 2016, the National Park Service estimated a deferred maintenance backlog of nearly $460 million in Coconino County, including necessary repairs to the visitor centers, aging historical structures, trails, sewers, drainage, roads, bridges, tunnels and other vital infrastructure of the county’s six National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas.

“The Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance and value of National Parks to both the county and our many visitors,” said Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “Our goal with approving this resolution is that we can help support the necessary maintenance and improvements of these areas.”

Coconino County hosted more than seven million visitors to its National Parks in 2015. These visits brought an estimated $932 million in revenue to local communities adjacent to national parks in the State of Arizona.

“Coconino County’s economic foundation is built on visitation to National Parks, National Monuments, National Recreation Areas and public lands,” said Supervisor Art Babbott. “By adequately funding critical infrastructure- water lines, roads wastewater- we can strengthen our economies, improve visitor experience to these wondrous places and protect these landscapes for future generations.”

The County will forward on the resolution to Congressional representatives and the National Association of Counties to do further advocacy during federal budget negotiations.

ADOT kicks off Work Zone Awareness Week

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PHOENIX – Give’em a brake, Arizona.

That’s the message the Arizona Department of Transportation is sending to drivers during National Work Zone Awareness Week. Through April 7, ADOT will join federal, state and local transportation organizations across the country to bring attention to the importance of being alert when driving in work zones.

Throughout this week on social media, ADOT will share personal stories about work zone safety from ADOT employees who work alongside speeding vehicles while building and maintaining Arizona’s highways. Motorists will see work zone awareness safety messages on overhead signs, too.

“Safety is the No. 1 priority at ADOT,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “When it comes to work zones, where vehicles can speed by just inches away, there are very few more dangerous places to spend a workday. We rely on motorists to pay attention when entering work zones, not only for the safety of our crews, but for drivers and passengers, too.”

According to the Federal Highway Administration, drivers and passengers accounted for 82 percent of work zone fatalities nationally in 2014, the most recent year with complete data. According to preliminary data for 2016, Arizona had seven fatal crashes in work zones, resulting in seven deaths, and 27 serious-injury crashes.

To protect motorists and those who build and maintain Arizona’s highways, follow these tips when traveling through work zones:

  • Pay attention: Observe and obey posted warning signs, as well as flaggers. You can be cited for disobeying a flagger’s directions.
  • Expect the unexpected: Speed limits might be lowered, travel lanes could be narrowed or eliminated and people may be working near your travel lane.
  • Slow down: Speeding is one of the leading causes of work zone crashes.
  • Merge safely: Do it early and carefully or as directed by signage instead of barging into a line of vehicles at the last moment.
  • Don’t tailgate: The most common crash in a work zone is the rear-end collision. Don’t follow too closely and, again, slow your speed.

For more information about work zone safety, visit azdot.gov/workzone.

Shoulder widening project on State Route 89A in Prescott Valley starts this week

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PRESCOTT – The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin work on a nine-mile shoulder widening project this week on State Route 89A between Coyote Springs Road and Legend Hills Drive (mileposts 324 to 332) in Prescott Valley.

Drivers are encouraged to be alert for increased construction activity throughout the work zone and adhere to reduced speeds as work begins.

Work hours initially for this project are Monday through Thursday between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of the month and then construction will be a 24-hour operation towards the beginning of May.

This $2.4 million project consists of widened shoulders, resurfacing, installing new signage, drainage improvements, new pavement markings and other miscellaneous work.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

2017 elk, pronghorn hunt draw results available

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department has completed its 2017 hunt draw for elk and pronghorn. 

The results are available by visiting https://draw.azgfd.gov/ and scrolling down to “View results and bonus points,” or by calling the department at (602) 942-3000 and pressing “2.” 

By the numbers:
  • 25,613: The total number of permit-tags issued.
  • 172,736: The total number of those who applied for hunts or bonus points.
  • 129,743: The total number of applications submitted (paper application and online).
Permit-tags for successful applicants, along with refunds for those who were unsuccessful in the hunt draw, are expected to be mailed by Friday, April 21.
In the meantime, there are 791 leftover elk permit-tags – 731 for the minimal occurrence zone/low density (general) hunts in game management units 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B. All remaining permit-tags will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis as follows: 

  • By mail: Applications will be accepted by mail beginning at 8 a.m. April 24 and must be addressed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ  85086. Do not mail applications to a Post Office (P.O.) box.
  • In person: If any leftover permit-tags remain, they also will be available for purchase beginning at 8 a.m. May 1 at any of the seven department offices statewide. 
Some of the leftover elk tags are for Hopi hunt open areas and are available to everyone, both tribal members and non-tribal members, through the first-come, first-served process.

A number of leftover elk tags remain for military hunts at Camp Navajo, for those who qualify. For more information, visit https://dema.az.gov/army-national-guard/camp-navajo/garrison-operations/camp-navajo-hunting-information, e-mail sarah.b.golabiewski.mil@mail.mil, or call 928-773-3225. 

Now that the draw is over, it’s time to start planning that hunt. The first step is to open an AZGFD customer portal account. It’s quick, easy and – best of all – it’s free. Just visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option, filling in the requested information.

As a reminder, all fields requesting information must be completed. For example, both Social Security and Department ID fields must be completed. If your Social Security number is also your Department ID number, your Social Security number must appear in both fields.

The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results history and bonus points, in their personal “My AZ Outdoors” section. A portal account is a mobile-friendly, convenient way to access the online license purchase and hunt draw application systems.

Another benefit of having a portal account is the opportunity to sign up for the “I Support Wildlife” program, which helps fund wildlife conservation in Arizona. An annual membership for $25 includes access to the new “premium” version of the Recreational Access Arizona (RAA) online mapping application, the latest fish stocking reports, an “I Support Wildlife” window decal and a one-year subscription to the award-winning Arizona Wildlife Views magazine.

The premium RAA mapping application is a significant upgrade over the free version and is a tremendous tool when planning your hunt. It is designed to work on all mobile devices (with active cell service) and lets you see your current location in reference to different data layers, including Game Management Units, wildlife waters, Arizona land ownership, an ESRI USA Topographic (USGS 24k Topo) basemap and more. Even better, the premium mapping application allows you to create your own point locations and automatically save and sync that data to all of your devices.

“I Support Wildlife” bridges the widening gap between wildlife facing new threats and a sharp increase in the cost of conservation. The department receives no Arizona tax dollars to support its mission to conserve and protect more than 800 wildlife species, the most of any non-coastal state in the U.S.   

For questions about opening a customer portal account, call the department at (602) 942-3000 and press “7.”

ADEQ holding a meeting to discuss changes to swimming pool rules

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) invites stakeholders to attend a stakeholder meeting to discuss proposed changes to swimming pool rules, promulgated in 1998, which are woefully out of date.

ADEQ is required by A.R.S. § 49-104(B)(12) to have rules that prescribe minimum design standards and sanitary conditions at any public or semi-public swimming pool or bathing place. ADEQ proposes to update these standards by referencing a national standard or model code for all public and semi-public swimming pools.

Attend the meeting in person or via conference call.

View meeting details and agenda >

In person:

When:  Mon., April 17, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: ADEQ, 1110 W. Washington St., First Floor, Room 145, Phoenix, AZ, 85007
Directions to ADEQ >
Parking at ADEQ >

Omnibus Bill SB 1183 Passes, Eliminating and Reducing Unnecessary Regulatory Burden

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PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials today thank Governor Doug Ducey for signing SB 1183 into law. Sponsored by Senator Griffin, the legislation will reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, while continuing to promote environmentally responsible economic growth.

In response to Governor Ducey’s Executive Order 2015-01, SB 1183 is the next step of ADEQ’s comprehensive evaluation of existing statute and rule to identify and remove, simplify or correct duplicative, contradictory and ambiguous regulatory hurdles. SB 1183 successfully streamlines five statutes, and will also result in the amendment or termination of eight sections of rule from the Arizona Administrative Code, offering tangible benefits to Arizona taxpayers and industry.

Senator Gail Griffin, R-14 Senate Majority Whip, said today, “I am glad to stand with Governor Ducey and sponsor legislation to update and repeal unnecessary and outdated regulations that burden our economy.”

“As we continue to eliminate waste in our processes through our ongoing LEAN transformation, we increase our capacity to do more mission-critical work,” said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Misael Cabrera. “Cutting this waste from our regulations is another step toward more effective government that operates at the speed of business.”

SB 1183 highlights:

  • Septage Hauler – Removes redundant regulatory and fiscal burdens from regulated septage haulers by providing ADEQ the authority to eliminate, in rule, duplicative state and county licensing and inspection fees. (ARS §49-104)
  • Dry Well Driller Licensing – Eliminates redundant regulatory oversite from ADEQ for licensure already administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. (ARS §49-333)
  • ADEQ Recycling Emblem – Eliminates statutory requirements for rules regarding establishment and use of a state recycling emblem. (ARS §49-833, R18-13-2501)
  • State-owned Hazardous Waste Facilities – Eliminates a duplicative hazardous waste transportation requirement that is already administered under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Transportation. (ARS §49-905)
  • Toxic Substances List – Removes an outdated and contradictory provision related to the federal Toxic Substances List. (ARS §49-968)

Flagstaff Unified School District seeking Governing Board applicants

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board. Effective April 12, one seat will become vacant due to the resignation of Kim Khatibi.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:

  • Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
  • Deadline to submit is 5 p.m., Thursday, April 27.
  • Submit by email kgraves@coconino.az.gov (Live signature original required)
  • Submit by fax 928-526-1469 (Live signature original required)
  • Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N. Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointment. Appointment term will end on Dec. 31, 2018.

For more information, please call Kim Graves at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928 679-8070 or e-mail: kgraves@coconino.az.gov.

Mylan Provides Update on Meridian Medical Technologies’, a Pfizer Company, Expanded Voluntary Worldwide Recall of EpiPen® Auto-Injector

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Mylan N.V. today announced that Meridian Medical Technologies, a Pfizer company and Mylan’s manufacturing partner for EpiPen® Auto-Injector, has expanded a voluntary recall of select lots of EpiPen (epinephrine injection, USP) and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injectors to now include additional lots distributed in the U.S. and other markets in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This recall is being conducted as a result of the receipt of two previously disclosed reports outside of the U.S. of failure to activate the device due to a potential defect in a supplier component. The potential defect could make the device difficult to activate in an emergency (failure to activate or increased force needed to activate) and have significant health consequences for a patient experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Both reports are related to the single lot that was previously recalled. The incidence of the defect is extremely rare and testing and analysis across the potentially impacted lots has not identified any units with a defect. However, the recall is being expanded to include additional lots as a precautionary measure out of an abundance of caution.

The recalled product was manufactured by Meridian Medical Technologies, a Pfizer company, and distributed by Mylan Specialty between December 2015 and July 2016. The expanded voluntary recall is being initiated in the U.S. and also will extend to additional markets in Europe, Asia, North and South America.

The recall impacts the 0.3 mg and 0.15 mg strengths of EpiPen Auto-Injector. None of the recalled lots include the authorized generic for EpiPen Auto-Injector, which is also manufactured by Meridian Medical Technologies.

U.S. Impacted Lots:

Product/Dosage NDC Number Lot Number Expiration Date
EpiPen Jr 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.15 mg 49502-501-02 5GN767 April 2017
EpiPen Jr 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.15 mg 49502-501-02 5GN773 April 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 5GM631 April 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 5GM640 May 2017
EpiPen Jr 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.15 mg 49502-501-02 6GN215 September 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM082 September 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM072 September 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM081 September 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM088 October 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM199 October 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM091 October 2017
EpiPen 2-Pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM198 October 2017
EpiPen 2-pak® Auto-Injectors, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM087 October 2017

Mylan is committed to replacing recalled devices at no cost and Mylan would like to reassure patients that there will be no additional replacement-related financial burden to them as a result of this recall. Patients, customers and distributors are being notified and should refer to Mylan.com/EpiPenRecall for updates on product return and replacement instructions. We are asking patients to keep their existing product until their replacement product can be secured.

Patients may receive either EpiPen Auto-Injector or the authorized generic for EpiPen Auto-Injector at the pharmacy as a replacement based on availability. The authorized generic has the exact same drug formulation, has the exact same operating instructions and is therapeutically equivalent to EpiPen Auto Injector, and may be substituted for EpiPen Auto Injector.

It is important that patients continue to carry their current EpiPen Auto-Injector until they receive a replacement device.

To return your product please contact Stericycle at 877-650-3494. If you have any additional questions regarding this recall, please contact Mylan Customer Relations at 800-796-9526 or customer.service@mylan.com.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of FDA.

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and access to this product is critical in the event of an emergency. Delays in epinephrine administration have been associated with negative health consequences.

More information about the risks and benefits of EpiPen® Auto-Injector can be found at EpiPen.com.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

County/City release Courthouse and Administrative Space Project RFI

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek ideas and opportunities related to the development of a City and County downtown courthouse and additional administrative spaces.

The RFI is the first of a multi-step process. The RFI asks the public to help bring forth ideas. Area residents, downtown business owners, community partners, developers, contractors and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate.

“This is an open and transparent process that will allow the private sector, community and partners to weigh in on the Courthouse Development and Administrative Space Project,” stated Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “We want to make sure every step is deliberately taken to ensure the needs of our community are met in any courthouse development project. Coconino County has had success with previous public/private partnerships. This could be another opportunity to optimize resources on behalf of our mutual constituents.”

Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff are considering new approaches to leverage existing assets and engage the private sector for ideas. The collaboration between the County and the City for the project is intended to save taxpayer dollars and increase parking in downtown Flagstaff.

In November 2016 City of Flagstaff voters passed Prop 412 which authorized $12 million in bonds to construct a courthouse and parking facility. Mayor Coral Evans said, “We are extremely excited to move this process forward and implement the voters’ decision to build a new courthouse and parking garage. Joint collaboration between the City and County enhances this endeavor and our ability to utilize resources collectively creates cost efficiency.”

There will be a pre-submittal briefing tour at 10 a.m., April 8 at the Coconino County Administrative Center, 219 East Cherry Avenue. All RFI information is due at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 3 at the Coconino County Purchasing Office, 219 E. Cherry Ave. Flagstaff. The RFI will not be an obligation on the part of the partnership to enter into any agreement.

For more information contact the Coconino County Purchasing Office at 928-679-7191 and visit www.coconino.az.gov/Bids.aspx and follow the directions to submit a response to the Request for Information (RFI 2017-01) Optimization of the Court Expansion Facility and Private Sector Development Opportunity.

JLUS Policy Committee awarded Department of Defense Joint Land Use Study Grant

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FLAGSTAFF – The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Economic Adjustment has awarded a $532,700 grant to Coconino County for a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), which provides recommendations for land uses that are compatible with the missions of military installations while also supporting economic development and community values.

In June 2016, Coconino County convened a JLUS Policy Committee, chaired by Flagstaff City Councilmember Celia Barotz, with stakeholders from the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, State of Arizona Departments, U.S. Forest Service, Arizona Army National Guard Camp Navajo, U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Northern Arizona University, Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA), Lowell Observatory, developers, and local businesses and civic associations. The Policy Committee met several times to determine the scope of study for the grant application.

“I extend my sincere thanks to Coconino County for taking the lead on this important planning effort; the stakeholders who are members of the Policy Committee for engaging in this effort thus far; and the DoD Office of Economic Adjustment for awarding the grant for the study. As the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County grow, it’s essential that we plan now to try and minimize future land use conflicts around our local military installations,” said JLUS Policy Committee Chair Flagstaff City Councilmember Celia Barotz.

“We appreciate that the DoD Office of Economic Adjustment saw the value in this project and awarded this grant,” said Supervisor Ryan. “This grant will allow the Policy Committee to study the best uses for this land and determine what is in the best interest of our community while fulfilling the missions of our military installations.”

The grant will be used to hire a consultant who will conduct the study that will identify land uses that are compatible with United States Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station and the Arizona National Guard Camp Navajo in Bellemont. Additional objectives of the study include increasing public awareness of the military missions and improving communications between the military and community stakeholders.

“This is a fine example of many partners coming together to work on a joint project. I thank my colleagues Supervisors Art Ryan and Art Babbott, and all the staff for their effort on this project. Their hard work and determination in assembling the JLUS Policy Committee and drafting the application made this grant possible,” stated Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “I look forward to the process unfolding and the final recommendations.”