Category Archives: News

Going to a Motor Vehicle Division office? You may not have to

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PHOENIX — Want to avoid lines at MVD offices? Chances are good that you can take care of business online instead.

According to data collected by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, 51 percent of the transactions that happen in MVD offices every business day could be done online instead. These range from very common transactions such as renewing a vehicle registration or replacing a driver license/identification card to smaller but still important things such as getting a decal for an off-road vehicle or a customer refund.

“Imagine if the MVD offices had 51 percent fewer transactions to handle,” Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “That would mean fewer people who need to make a trip to get services that are just a click away on a computer or smartphone, and it would reduce wait times for those who need to do business in the offices.”

Including those listed above, there are many MVD services that can be easily done through ServiceArizona.com, such as address and email changes, ordering a personalized or specialty license plate, voter registration, obtaining a copy of your motor vehicle record, renewing a disability placard, insurance verification, sold notices and many more. For a complete list, please go to ServiceArizona.com.

“People are a lot more comfortable using the web for all kinds of transactions that just weren’t done years ago,” Jorgensen added. “MVD is ahead of the curve online, and we welcome more Arizonans to check out ServiceArizona.com to see if they can get their needs handled there because it’s increasingly likely they can.”

Wildcats, Sun Devils, Lumberjacks sport specialty plates

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narrower_originalPHOENIX — Universities are back in session, football season is underway and school spirit is in the air ‒ and on many vehicle bumpers.

More and more alumni and other fans are showcasing school colors with specialty plates offered by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. In the process, they’re raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for scholarships.

University specialty plates ‒ red and blue for the University of Arizona, maroon and gold for Arizona State University and blue and white for Northern Arizona University ‒ generated three-quarters of a million dollars for scholarships during the fiscal year that ended June 30. Drivers purchased or renewed about 44,000 of these plates during that time.

Vehicle owners pay $25 annually for specialty plates, with $17 of that amount going to sponsoring charities and nonprofits. Getting one is as easy as visiting ServiceArizona.com.

Melinda Burke, UA Alumni Association president, said the plates are a great way to show Wildcat pride.

“Coupled with that, the purchase of an “A” plate provides scholarship monies for UA students who are Arizona residents, so it is a feel-good way to support the university,” Burke said.

The current UA plate, used since 2012, showcases the school’s signature “A.” Nearly 24,000 UA plates graced bumpers around the state last fiscal year, including the previous design featuring Wilbur the Wildcat.

ASU’s current specialty plate is gold with maroon type and features Sparky the Sun Devil, though some vehicles may have a white plate with a similar design that was sold until 2010. The nearly 18,000 ASU specialty plates purchased or renewed last fiscal year funded Medallion Scholarships for top Arizona high school seniors, according to Tracy Scott, ASU Alumni Association marketing director.

“We’ve seen an increase (in sales) since the plate was redesigned in 2010,” Scott said.

Since 2010, NAU’s specialty plate has featured the school’s snowflake-and-pine logo, but some with the older plate design featuring Louie the Lumberjack are still around. Alumni and fans purchased or renewed about 2,700 of the plates during the last fiscal year.

The dozens of specialty plates available through MVD generated $6.9 million last fiscal year for causes and charities supporting veterans, law enforcement, firefighters and more. That’s a 9 percent increase from the year before.

Grand Canyon University alumni and fans may soon be able to show their support. The Arizona State Legislature earlier this year authorized creating a specialty plate featuring that school.

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

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roadtosuccess-2016_originalPRESCOTT — An Arizona Department of Transportation conference in October will help owners of small businesses and those qualifying for ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program learn how to bid for projects and contracts.

The Statewide DBE & Small Business Conference, to be held Oct. 12 and 13 at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center, will feature workshops, networking opportunities and one-on-one time with experts in areas such as banking, insurance and bonding, marketing and consulting. The goal: helping small businesses and those owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for projects that receive federal funding.

“ADOT recognizes the value that DBEs and small businesses bring to our state, which is why it’s essential to help them learn how to thrive in the transportation industry,” said Dr. Vivien Lattibeaudiere, manager of ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office. “With access to project opportunities, they can become a meaningful part of building the transportation infrastructure in our state.”

Although the conference is geared toward disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in transportation.

Businesses interested in attending the conference can register and purchase tickets online at bit.ly/2bWFESY.

For more information on the workshop or ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, contact the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office at 602-712-7761 or visit adotdbe.com.

Public input essential as South Mountain Freeway moves toward construction

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PHOENIX — Thirteen years of public involvement helped shape plans for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. With the Arizona Department of Transportation preparing to begin construction along the 22-mile corridor, the community can continue providing feedback and seeking information by attending meetings, connecting online and using other resources.

“As with any project, our goals are informing and listening to the public,” said Rob Samour, ADOT senior deputy director of major projects. “The South Mountain Freeway is a critical project for the region, and there are many opportunities for the public to stay engaged as we start construction and look forward to opening the freeway corridor by the end of 2019.”800south-mountain-freeway-graphicBeginning later this month, ADOT will hold three public meetings to provide details and seek input on preliminary design plans:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 27, Desert Vista High School, Multipurpose Room, 16440 S. 32nd St., Phoenix
  • Wednesday, Sept. 28, Betty Fairfax High School, Multipurpose Room, 8225 S. 59th Ave., Laveen
  • Thursday, Oct. 6, Fowler Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 6707 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix

All meetings are scheduled for 6-8 p.m., with presentations beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The meetings will provide information on the freeway’s location, profile, interchange configurations and noise barrier locations, as well as initial concepts for landscaping and visual appearance. The preliminary design has been updated since it was circulated for public comment along with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement in 2013.

More public meetings will be held later this year to share final design and construction plans and to provide more information on what to expect during construction.

Construction is set to begin Monday, Sept. 12, with crews widening the shoulders from Pecos Road near 48th Street to the I-10/Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) interchange. Work will also include the extension of the existing Loop 202 HOV lanes. This initial phase of work will be completed prior to the construction of the mainline freeway, which is scheduled to begin in early 2017.

As part of its commitment to public involvement, ADOT is seeking input from anyone with an interest in the freeway. There are several ways to do so:

  1. Online: azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway
  2. Email: SouthMountainFreewayInfo@c202p.com
  3. Phone: 1.855.SMF.L202 (1.855.763.5202), or para Español, 623.239.4558
  4. The latest project information is available via the project website at azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway, email and text updates (click “Subscribe for Updates” on the project website), the project hotline numbers (1.855.763.5202, or para Español, 623.239.4558) and newspaper advertising.

Extensive public input, including feedback provided by the South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team that met from 2001 to 2013, informed the study behind the South Mountain Freeway, including

  • identifying more than 30 alternative alignments.
  • helping determine interchange locations.
  • recommending ways to reduce the right of way required.
  • proposing ways to minimize other impacts.
  • suggesting design options.

During the Draft Environmental Impact Statement phase, ADOT collected and recorded more than 8,000 public, agency and stakeholder comments.

The 22-mile freeway, expected to open by late 2019, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/SouthMountainFreeway.

Mexico wolf pair welcomes third litter of wild-born pups

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mexican-wolfPHOENIX — Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) recently reported the sighting of four wild-born Mexican wolf pups in the state of Chihuahua. The pups represent the third consecutive year that the mated pair M1215 and F1033 has produced offspring.

With the birth of this litter, Mexico’s Mexican wolf population in the wild has reached 21 animals, according to CONANP.

“Arizona wishes to congratulate Mexico on their recent successes toward the recovery of Mexican wolves in their historical habitat and offer our continued support of their efforts,” said Jim deVos, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s assistant director of wildlife management. “The vast majority of historical habitat for the Mexican wolf is in Mexico, so their efforts and successes provide a significant contribution to the recovery of the subspecies.”

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has collaborated with Mexican experts to develop a habitat suitability evaluation that will assist CONANP in planning future recovery efforts in Mexico.

Arizona Game and Fish has been actively involved in a multi-agency effort to reintroduce Mexican wolves to portions of the Southwest since the 1980s.

Boxcar Bridge: A Year in the Making

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800-16-09-06-06WILLIAMS — On September 11, 2015, the Williams Boxcar bridge was set into place. Nearly a year later, the new lights are lit signalling the completion of the project. The lights were on for the first time today.800-15-09-10-21800-16-09-06-02In April, Mike the sign painter began the process of adding sinage to the bridge.
800-16-09-06-09The bridge has been open for use for several months and attracts many visitors for pictures.

Applications sought for Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX — The Governor’s Office is currently accepting applications for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2016. Applications received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered.

Governor Doug Ducey is seeking members who are well-informed and passionate about Arizona wildlife and its long-term conservation. In accordance with Arizona law, the Game and Fish Commission is required to be politically balanced and representative of all 15 counties (i.e., no more than three commissioners may be from the same political party, and no two commissioners may be residents of the same county).

Therefore, this Commission vacancy is NOT available to registered residents of Apache, Coconino, Pima, or Yuma counties. Residents of all other counties—Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yavapai—are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals may apply by clicking here: Boards and Commissions Application.

For further information about the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and its mission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission. Individuals also may contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at (602) 542-2449.

Paper applications for 2017 spring hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the “2017 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

The department now is accepting paper applications for 2017 spring hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for spring turkey, javelina, bison and bear. The online application service is expected to be available in early to mid-September.

Paper applications can be mailed: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at any department office statewide.

The deadline for all spring hunt permit-tag applications is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Paper applications must be received by the department by the deadline. Postmarks do not count.

The printed “2017 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison and Bear Hunt Draw Information” booklets are expected to be available at department offices and license dealers statewide in early September.

Applicants must possess an Arizona hunting license to apply for a spring hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid through the last day of the spring hunt permit-tag application period (Oct. 11). Licenses now are valid one year from the time of purchase. Licenses can be purchased online at https://www.azgfd.com/license, or at any department office or license dealer statewide.

As a reminder, applicants should thoroughly read and understand the appropriate regulations before submitting a hunt permit-tag application or before going afield.

Closure order for Saddle Mountain Wilderness area reduced

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FREDONIA — Effective immediately, the closure order for the Saddle Mountain Wilderness area associated with the Fuller Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District has been modified to reflect a smaller closure area due to increased moisture and decreased fire danger.

The boundary of this area closure starts east of Highway 67 at the South Canyon Trailhead off Forest Road 610, heading northeast along South Canyon Trail #6 to the junction with FR 211, then continuing northeast along FR 211 to the junction with FR 8910, then just south of the FR 8910 heading east, then along the Saddle Mountain Wilderness boundary, and back to the South Canyon Trailhead off FR 610. Closed roads include FR 211 and the portion of FR 8910 that runs north and south in the closure area.

Trails closed include those within Saddle Mountain Wilderness: South Canyon Trail #6, Nankoweap Trail #57 and Saddle Mountain Trail #31.

For more recreational information, visitors may call the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center at (928) 643-7298 or the North Kaibab District Office at (928) 643-7395.

No state highway construction closures over Labor Day weekend

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PHOENIX – During Labor Day weekend, state and local agencies are focusing 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 Friday through Monday evening.

While no closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions with lane reductions will remain in place, including on eastbound Interstate 40 about 30 miles east of Kingman.

ADOT is emphasizing safety in three high-traffic zones that will receive extra enforcement and 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 strategically 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 Labor Day Holiday DUI Task Force Campaign involves nine separate task forces statewide and 72 different law enforcement agencies. Last year, 10 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

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.