Category Archives: State Government

ADOT receives $7 million in federal relief for summer 2017 flood damage

Posted on by

PHOENIX – The Federal Highway Administration is providing $7 million in emergency relief funds to help cover the Arizona Department of Transportation’s cost of repairing two state highways damaged by flooding last summer. Governor Doug Ducey issued an emergency declaration for both highways. The $7 million reimbursement allows ADOT to put money spent on these emergency repairs toward other highway projects.

A long stretch of State Route 88 northeast of Apache Junction experienced structural erosion following an intense monsoon storm last July. The highway remained open while ADOT made emergency repairs, and now much of that stretch is part of a previously planned safety-improvement project.

On Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona, runoff from areas scarred by the Frye Fire, which started in early June, damaged the upper reaches of State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail. Because of damage to the roadway and concerns about flash flooding from burned areas, the highest reaches of the highway remained closed until mid-September.

The Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program reimburses state and local jurisdictions for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads and bridges damaged by catastrophic events. The emergency funds cover the cost of initial repairs to both highways, emergency repairs to SR 88 and preliminary design work to address longer-term issues from flooding along SR 366. ADOT will seek an additional $4 million in emergency relief funds for permanent restoration on SR 366.

ADOT detectives nab man with Illinois felony warrant

Posted on by

PHOENIX – A Glendale resident who allegedly used his brother’s identity to apply for an Arizona driver license was revealed to have a felony warrant out of Illinois and has been charged with forgery thanks to Arizona Department of Transportation detectives’ use of facial recognition training and technology.

In late February, Luis Castro, 32, applied for an Arizona driver license using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of his brother at the Glendale MVD office.

ADOT’s facial recognition system found that Castro’s photo did not match the previous photo under his brother’s profile. Detectives, who have FBI training in facial recognition, confirmed this was the case and opened an investigation.

ADOT’s investigation found that Castro’s photo matched a booking photo from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois. Digging further, detectives found that Castro had an extraditable felony warrant out of Cook County for aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and prohibited possessor of firearms.

Confirming that fraud had taken place, OIG canceled the permanent credential. When Castro called MVD looking for his driver license that hadn’t shown up in the mail, detectives made arrangements with him to meet at the West Phoenix MVD office on April 17 where Castro believed he was picking up the fraudulent credential.

ADOT detectives arrested Castro in the parking lot on counts of forgery and the felony warrant out of Illinois. He was booked at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Fourth Avenue Jail.

This case is one more example of how facial recognition technology used by ADOT’s Office of Inspector General protects Arizonans’ identities and helps prevent fraud involving state-issued driver licenses and identification cards.

MVD adds basic title transfers to online options

Posted on by

PHOENIX – For many Arizonans, transferring a vehicle title may no longer require a visit to an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division or an Authorized Third Party office. MVD has unveiled the eTitle online service, which gives many customers the option to do this transaction on their computer, tablet or mobile device.

“Going to an MVD or third-party office can be time-consuming, so having eTitle available for basic customer-to-customer transactions simplifies the process by allowing many customers to do this online,” said MVD Director Eric Jorgensen. “People go online to do their banking, pay bills, file taxes and a lot more, so expanding our digital offerings to include basic title transfers is a common-sense innovation. It’s one more way MVD is getting Arizonans out of line and safely on the road.”

A basic transfer is one in which the seller must be an individual owner, or two or more owners who have the “or” legal status. The vehicle must be titled and registered in Arizona and have no liens or brands (such as salvage title). The buyer must be an individual owner with an Arizona credential.

With eTitle, the first step is for the buyer and seller to each set up a personal account at AZ MVD Now, an online portal available through ServiceArizona.com where customers establish a secure online account to do multiple MVD transactions.

AZ MVD Now uses multi-factor security protocols requiring an account to be password-protected and verified by sending the customer a text or phone message to verify the security code. Out-of-state residents cannot use the system.

The eTitle process should not begin until after shopping and negotiations are done, and both parties are ready. It takes just a few minutes but customers are given 24 hours to complete the process.

eTitle guides the buyer and seller through the process and once completed, the title information is verified and updated in the MVD database. Paper titles are more susceptible to fraud, so eTitle is a consumer protection enhancement as well as a convenience.

With the transfer complete, the buyer can print a temporary registration at home as well as the temporary paper license plate to be displayed on the vehicle until the permanent plate is sent to the buyer. The buyer finalizes the transaction by paying applicable title and registration fees to the MVD.

The MVD does not have any role in the actual sale of the vehicle such as determining the price.

For more information: www.azdot.gov/eTitle

Flagstaff to host second public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues to gather comments for its proposed Five-Year Construction Program by reaching out to all members of the public and communities statewide for their input on which projects should move forward over the next few years.

The second public hearing for the 2019-2023 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, April 20, at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow.

In its Tentative Program, ADOT proposes several major expansion projects along Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors, the state’s busiest highways. Better mobility means better daily commutes and travel, along with enhanced freight movement, trade, commerce and economic development. Projects include:

  • The first phase of a project beginning in fiscal year 2019 to improve State Route 189 in Nogales between the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19
  • Two major widening projects along US 93 in fiscal years 2020 and 2023 that will bring ADOT closer to its goal of completing a four-lane divided highway from Wickenburg to Interstate 40, laying the groundwork for the future Interstate 11
  • Widening Interstate 17 in areas between Anthem and Sunset Point in fiscal years 2021 and 2022, with specific areas and projects still under study
  • Widening the last section of State Route 260 near Star Valley beginning in fiscal year 2023 (the Lion Springs section), reaching ADOT’s goal of completing a four-lane divided highway along the entire length of the corridor

These are just some of the projects that are included in the 2019-2023 Tentative Five-Year Program. The complete report is available at azdot.gov for review and comment until June 5.

The Tentative Program also reaches the department’s goal of allocating at least $260 million per year for the preservation of the state highway system. Preservation projects include repaving highways, filling potholes, extending the life cycle of existing pavement, and repairing or reconstructing bridges.

In addition, ADOT has proposed increasing the amount of preservation funding to $320 million per year during the next six to 10 years as part of the recently adopted Long-Range Transportation Plan, a blueprint for investment priorities over the next 25 years.

The complete report, posted with a “how to read it” guide, is available at azdot.gov for review and comment. ADOT welcomes feedback via an online form at surveymonkey.com/r/G6DNQVG, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by phone at 855.712.8530.

Here are the details for the remaining public hearings (the first was on March 16 in Sahaurita), a follow-up study session and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting, where the final Five-Year Program is expected to be approved. All hearings begin at 9 a.m.:

April 20: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

May 18: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

June 5: State Transportation Board study session at ADOT’s Human Resources Development Center, 1130 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix.

June 15: State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Globe Council Chambers, 150 N. Pine St., Globe.

MVD urges Arizonans to consider getting Voluntary Travel I.D.

Posted on by

PHOENIX – Arizonans who plan to use their driver license or ID card to get through security checkpoints at U.S. airports and other restricted, federally-controlled facilities should take action to get an Arizona Voluntary Travel ID through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The Transportation Security Administration will provide MVD informational flyers at its airport checkpoints in Flagstaff, Phoenix Mesa-Gateway, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Tucson International and Yuma International. The flyers advise passengers that starting Oct.1, 2020, standard credentials won’t be accepted by the TSA.

“Now is a great time to get a Voluntary Travel ID, because the federal deadline gets closer every day,” said MVD Director Eric Jorgensen. “MVD is making this process simple. Customers can go to ServiceArizona.com and make an office appointment. The website provides information about what documents that customers should bring with them to meet the REAL ID requirements for the Voluntary Travel ID. Appointments also help MVD offices run more efficiently, helping to get customers out of line and safely on the road.”

The Voluntary Travel ID is an Arizona driver license or ID card that meets the additional identification requirements of the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. Standard Arizona licenses or ID cards do not conform to the federal REAL ID requirements because of a state law that says those steps must be taken voluntarily by the license or card holder.

The cost is $25 for renewals and first-time issues. Per federal law, the credential is valid for eight years, in most cases. Customers whose photos need to be updated in the near future may wish to get the Voluntary Travel ID.

Forms of identification required for a Voluntary Travel ID include one document such as a birth certificate or a passport that proves identity; one document that proves a Social Security number such as a Social Security card or W-2 form, and two documents such as utility bills or bank statements that prove Arizona residency.

For a list of examples of identification documents and for additional information, please visit the Voluntary Travel ID section of the ADOT website at azdot.gov/TravelID.

AZGFD asks successful spring turkey hunters for a hand — uh, leg

Posted on by

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking help from successful spring turkey hunters as it continues to monitor the state’s wild turkey populations for an emerging disease.

All hunters who harvest a turkey – including youth hunters whose seasons begin next week — are asked to consider donating one of the bird’s legs (or heart) by bringing it to any of the department’s regional offices statewide. The leg should be removed at the joint above the foot (see diagram). Legs and hearts should be kept frozen in a sealable plastic bag.

Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) is a virus that has the potential to develop into a deadly cancer in wild turkeys. To be clear, the disease is not harmful to humans. Little is known about the disease, although it is highly likely that it is only deadly in a small percentage of birds.

For more information, visit https://www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/Diseases or contact aquatic and wildlife health biologist Callie Hartson at chartson@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7227.

To Report Dead Wildlife

The public can report their observations of other recently dead wildlife by calling the Wildlife Disease Hotline at 877-972-8426. Wildlife health personnel will respond Monday through Friday during normal business hours. You can leave a message if it is before or after business hours. Fresh samples are required for testing. A recently dead small animal or bird may be collected by wearing gloves, double bagged, and frozen. If you have a wildlife related emergency, please call our 24 hour dispatch center at (623) 236-7201.

If the animal you are calling about has been shot and you are reporting possible illegal activity, call Operation Game Thief 800-352-0700.

Donating even $1 at tax time helps Arizona’s wildlife

Posted on by

PHOENIX — The tax filing deadline is a week away, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages those who haven’t yet submitted their returns to help support the state’s wildlife by “making a mark” on their state income tax form.

The Arizona Wildlife Fund is a voluntary program that allows Arizona taxpayers to make a donation specifically to help at-risk and endangered wildlife, including Sonoran pronghorn, black-footed ferrets, California condors, Apache trout and Mexican wolves, among other non-game species.

“The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any state general fund tax dollars, so any additional funding provided through the Arizona Wildlife Fund helps to support our efforts in managing and conserving some of the state’s most iconic native species,” says Josh Avey, AZGFD Terrestrial Wildlife Branch chief. “The cumulative effect of even a dollar can have a tremendous impact on conserving one of Arizona’s greatest natural treasures – its wildlife.”

Since Arizona started the program more than 25 years ago, taxpayers have donated more than $5 million to the conservation of non-game wildlife. In previous years, donations averaged $25, but any amount helps Arizona’s wildlife.

The Arizona Wildlife Fund box can be found on line “64” of the Arizona Resident Personal Income Tax Return form 140 or line “33” on the Arizona 140A short form.

Learn more about the conservation and reintroduction efforts the fund supports.

Best advice for blowing dust: Pull Aside, Stay Alive

Posted on by

PHOENIX – Drivers across Arizona should be prepared for strong winds, possible blowing dust and an increased fire danger on Thursday, April 12.

The National Weather Service has issued advisories covering the entire state forecasting strong winds and low humidity, conditions that could make driving hazardous in areas prone to blowing dust and for drivers with high-profile vehicles.

Statewide, winds of 25-30 mph are forecast, with gusts likely to reach 40 mph. Winds are expected to increase beginning late Wednesday in western Arizona and reach the center of the state by midday on Thursday. The strongest winds are likely in northwest Arizona, including Kingman and Lake Havasu City. Conditions are expected to return to normal on Friday across the state.

The Arizona Department of Transportation encourages drivers to avoid driving into a through a dust storm. Drivers may want to consider delaying travel until Friday.

Drivers should slow down after checking traffic around their vehicle and completely exit the highway if possible. Additional safety tips from PullAsideStayAlive.org:

* Pull entirely off the highway if possible.
* Turn off all vehicle lights, set the parking brake and take your foot off the brake to reduce the likelihood of being hit by following drivers.
* Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelts buckled.
* Wait for the storm to pass.

For current road and weather conditions, passengers should check on Twitter with ADOT (@ArizonaDOT) and the National Weather Service (@NWSPhoenix and @NWSTucson).

Flagstaff Traffic Alert: Lane closures planned on Beulah Boulevard under Interstate 40

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Arizona Department of Transportation crews are scheduled to set lane restrictions on Beulah Boulevard under the I-40 bridge overpass in Flagstaff. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time as crews will have lane closures in both directions from 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, to 5 a.m. Friday, April 13. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Additionally, lane widths will be restricted to 11 feet throughout the construction project.

These lane closures and width restrictions are necessary for crews to begin bridge deck replacement and repair work at the I-17 and I-40 interchange in Flagstaff. This project will replace three bridge decks and approach slabs, increase the bridge cross slopes and retrofit one bridge deck with an overlay. The project will also include guardrail and paving work.

Construction began in February 2018 and the majority of the work is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

ADOT is scheduled to host informational sessions for the public from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on April 9, May 8, June 12 and July 10. These open houses will be at ADOT’s facility at 1901 S. Milton Road in Flagstaff. Project team members will be available to provide information and answer questions on the construction schedule and traffic impacts.

What to Expect:

  • Construction seven days a week with both day and night work, according to project phasing
  • Overnight, one-direction closures on Beulah Boulevard beneath I-40
  • Rolling night closures of I-17, according to phasing
  • Ramp closures
  • The southbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 ramp is scheduled to be closed in two-week increments at the end of June, end of July and end of October
  • The northbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp is closed through December

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more project information, please visit www.azdot.gov/FlagstaffTI. For questions or comments, please contact Mackenzie Kirby, ADOT Northcentral District Community Relations Project Manager at 928-525-6494 or mkirby@azdot.gov. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

ADOT set to reopen routes to lakes in White Mountains

Posted on by

PHOENIX – With another winter season in the books, three state highways to lakes in the White Mountains are scheduled to reopen Thursday, April 12, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

They are: State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake; State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake; and State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake.

State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail that runs up Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona, is scheduled to open on April 15.

Another highway that closes for the winter, State Route 67, leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, is anticipated to reopen in mid-May.

Before heading off to enjoy the mountains, motorists should do the following:

  • Make sure all occupants in a vehicle are buckled in.
  • Check tire pressure, fluids and more to make sure a vehicle is in proper running condition.
  • Be patient, including not following other vehicles too closely and building in extra travel time.
  • Get enough sleep before the trip.
  • Bring extra water and food.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Check for information about highway restrictions and more by visiting az511.gov, calling 511 or following ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.