Category Archives: State Government

Plan for intermittent daytime lane restrictions on State Route 179 in Sedona May 1-10

Posted on by

SEDONA — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises Sedona area drivers to plan for intermittent lane restrictions on State Route 179 beginning May 1.

Drivers should allow for extra travel time while the following daytime restrictions are in place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from May 1 through May 10.:

  • SR 179 will be intermittently narrowed to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel from Chapel Road to SR 89A (mileposts 310 – 313).
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will guide traffic through the work zone.
  • The speed limit will be reduced in the work zone.
  • Drivers should be prepared to come to a complete stop in the work zone.
  • The restrictions will be lifted after maintenance crews finish each day.

The restriction is needed so crews can safely complete temporary pavement repairs along this stretch of SR 179

Arizona Secretary of State Visits with County Board of Supervisors and Election Officials

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes, visited Flagstaff on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 to meet with members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), County Recorder Patty Hansen, and County Elections staff. Secretary Fontes has visited or plans to visit all 15 Arizona counties to hear directly from local officials about their present and future needs to prepare for the 2024 election cycle and beyond.

 

Among the topics covered during the Secretary’s discussion with the Board members and staff were election staff safety, election integrity, and expanding voter access especially to rural and minority communities in Coconino County.

 

“Elections are bottom-up here in Arizona, counties run our elections,” Secretary Fontes said during his visit. “My office has built a team that reflects that ethos.”

 

Key to Secretary Fontes’ efforts to assist counties is his ongoing effort to revise and refocus the Elections Procedure Manual, a document released by the Secretary of State’s office in odd calendar years that helps ensure election practices are consistent and efficient.

 

To better help counties, Secretary Fontes is requesting funds from the State Legislature for six full-time Secretary of State staff positions to work hand-in-hand with County Recorder and Elections offices that have seen unprecedented turnover. The Secretary also endorsed a bill sponsored by State Senator T.J. Shope (R-LD16) that would expand confidentiality protections for elections staff and volunteers statewide.

 

Other integral parts of Secretary Fontes’ election preparation plans include the creation of a Chief Information Security Officer position to provide counties with the technical assistance and training they need to address physical and cybersecurity threats, and Election Certification Training which will be held in several locations throughout the state in the summer and fall months.

 

“Like many in the state, Coconino County is working preemptively to combat misinformation about the safety and security of our election process and elections in general,” added Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 1. “Neither Coconino County, nor our Sheriff’s department will tolerate intimidation and threats to voters or our election workers. The Board of Supervisors and Elections Department have worked to increase voter confidence and to actively increase voter access.”

 

For more information about the Coconino County Recorder, please visit: http://coconino.az.gov/Recorder and for information about the Coconino County Elections Department please visit http://www.coconino.az.gov/elections

ADEQ Announces New Arizona Orphaned Well Program

Posted on by

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) today announced the newly launched Orphaned Well Program. ADEQ is working in partnership with the Arizona Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (AZOGCC), landowners and community members to properly plug orphaned oil and gas wells on State and private land in Arizona and mitigate potential safety, public health and environmental risks.

Conducted on behalf of AZOGCC in 2022, ADEQ’s initial records research for potential orphaned wells in Arizona shows an estimate of 246 possible wells. Many of the wells identified were drilled in the early 1900s, before Arizona established oil and gas regulations. Therefore, there could be additional potential orphaned wells and we are encouraging community members to be on the lookout and report them to us to investigate.

“We appreciate the opportunity to lend our expertise to support this important Orphaned Well Program that serves Arizonans and our environment,” said ADEQ Air Quality Director, Daniel Czecholinski. “We are eager to work with community members to locate, verify and address any potential orphaned wells. Working together on this initiative, we will create a safer and healthier Arizona for everyone.”

ADEQ has created an interactive reporting tool that makes it easy for people to report a potential orphaned well. Community members can use the tool to report potential orphaned wells from their smartphone or computer using this link: bit.ly/ReportOrphanWells, or simply call 602-771-4501 or email azorphanedwells@azdeq.gov to help this critical effort.

The Orphaned Well Program covers confirmed orphaned wells that are located on State or private lands. Orphaned wells located on federal or Tribal lands are not included in the program. In addition to ADEQ’s initial list of 246 orphan wells, ADEQ will conduct file reviews for wells reported by community members to gather well ownership, location, geology and other information to help locate wells and determine if they are eligible for the program.

With cooperation from private landowners, ADEQ will work closely with property owners and any nearby community members to coordinate field activities. This cooperation is critical to the success of the program. Field activities can include verifying well location and status, and then, if needed, environmental sampling, well plugging, and cleanup or restoration of the landscape surrounding the plugged well to return the area to its original state. As part of the well plugging work, ADEQ will conduct methane monitoring before and after plugging to confirm its effectiveness.

“Properly addressing orphaned wells in our State is part of our continuing commitment to protecting Arizona’s natural resources,” said Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Chairman Frank Thorwald. “Thanks to our partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, we are now able to take these crucial steps and implement this program for Arizonans.”

Background

Orphaned wells are oil and gas wells that are not plugged, not producing, and have no owner or responsible party. In Arizona, the majority of these wells were drilled for oil, natural gas, potash (a mineral used in fertilizer) and helium. When not properly plugged, the wells can pose a risk to public health and the environment, including air and water pollution.

Arizona’s Orphaned Well Program is funded by a $25 million competitive grant awarded to ADEQ by the U.S. Department of Interior as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Orphaned Well Program | Learn more > 

Daily bag, possession limits reduced for cottontail rabbits, initiated for jackrabbits

Posted on by

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) advises small game hunters that reductions in the daily bag and possession limits for cottontail rabbits, as well as the initiation of daily bag and possession limits for jackrabbits, become effective July 1, 2023.

In response to the impacts and lingering effects of the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV-2), with localized incidents still occurring throughout the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently voted to lower the bag limit for cottontails from 10 to five per day, and the possession limit from 30 to 15 (of which no more than five may be taken in any one day).

The decision extends to the much larger, lankier jackrabbits — both black-tailed and antelope — of which there are no bag or possession limits. While not designated as game animals, hunters only will be allowed to harvest two jackrabbits per day, with a possession limit of six (of which no more than two may be taken in any one day), beginning July 1.

RHDV-2 is highly contagious among lagomorphs (cottontails and jackrabbits) and is spread by physical contact with bodily fluids, fecal material, and even remains. While the meat is safe for human consumption, AZGFD encourages hunters to remove carcasses from the field and bury the remains deep enough to discourage coyotes and other scavengers from digging them up.

“Since lagomorphs are a primary prey base for almost all carnivores and raptors, we want to allow them a chance to bounce back in those areas where they were most severely affected,” said Dr. Larisa Harding, the department’s small game program manager. “If hunters harvest a lagomorph, burying the remains helps to limit the spread of RHDV-2 on the landscape.”

Within Arizona, RHDV-2 has been identified in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Apache, Navajo, and Coconino counties. AZGFD continues to investigate mortalities in new areas and asks that reports be made to the Wildlife Health Program (ajusticeallen@azgfd.gov) and Radio Room (623-236-7201). For more information, visit www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-diseases/.

Arizona hunters can harvest cottontails and jackrabbits year-round. A valid Arizona hunting or combination hunt and fish license is required for all hunters 10 and older. Those hunters under 10 must either have a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license, or be accompanied by an adult who possesses a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license. Licenses can be purchased online or at license dealers statewide. A youth combination hunt and fish license (ages 10 to 17) is $5.

Arizona Game and Fish Commission to meet April 14 in Phoenix

Posted on by

The next public meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, April 14, at the Arizona Game and Fish Department (headquarters), 5000 W. Carefree Highway, in Phoenix.

The meeting begins at 8 a.m.

A complete agenda and more information on viewing the meeting, or speaking to the commission, can be found at www.azgfd.com/commagenda.

Surface Water and Soil Test Results near Walker

Posted on by

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) surface water and soil test results of orange water and soil in the area surrounding the former Sheldon Mine (see sampling location map at end) in Walker, Arizona, indicate the orange coloration is due to naturally-occurring iron. As iron is exposed to air, it forms iron oxide, which is orange or red in color. Based on the heavily mineralized geology in this former mining district, ADEQ tested the samples (surface water and soil) for metals (barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, iron), arsenic, cyanide, and pH. Test results confirm that surface water and soil in the area do not pose an immediate threat to public health and that no remediation activities are warranted.

“Within 24 hours of receiving information from a resident about concerns related to the orange liquid and soil, ADEQ had an inspector on-site to investigate,” said ADEQ Water Quality Division Director Trevor Baggiore. “Once we confirmed the orange liquid, we immediately coordinated with our local, county and state partners and worked with Yavapai County Emergency Management to post signs to inform the public to avoid the area, while we made arrangements to conduct environmental sampling.”

On April 1, 2023, ADEQ collected four surface water samples — two from the area where the orange water was pooling and two where the orange water was entering a nearby creek. ADEQ also collected three soil samples from the area with the orange color.

  • Surface Water Results: ADEQ test results show that water in the nearby creek met applicable state surface water quality standards that protect people’s health if they recreate in the creek. For the orange water samples taken prior to reaching the creek, most elements met the standards; the elements that measured higher than the standards were arsenic and lead. The orange water is also weakly acidic, which is common in this area due to the geology and consistent with data from other streams in the Bradshaw Mountains.
  • Soil Results: ADEQ’s soil test results show all elements were well below the most conservative state cleanup standards, which are for residential areas, with the exception of arsenic. The arsenic results are consistent with levels that naturally occur in this highly mineralized area and across Arizona, do not present a concern for public health, and do not warrant cleanup action.

As a precautionary measure, ADEQ continues to advise people near the Sheldon Mine to avoid contact with orange water and orange stained soil in the area.

The Bradshaw Mountains include miles of underground mine workings and dozens of historic waste rock and tailings piles that date back many decades. Groundwater upwelling along with runoff from the historic waste rock and tailings piles contribute to the mineral content of surface water. Due to recent above-average precipitation in the region, orange water may be surfacing in other nearby areas.

On March 31, 2023, out of an abundance of caution, ADEQ advised the public to stay away from orange water or orange stained soils in the area surrounding the former Sheldon Mine in Walker, Arizona. While surface water and soil conditions in the area of the former Sheldon Mine do not pose an immediate health risk, ADEQ reminds Arizonans to always stay away from discolored soil, discolored surface water, and stormwater runoff in both urban and rural areas. In addition to metal pollutants, stormwater surface water flows can carry bacteria and pathogens. ADEQ also reminds and encourages private well owners to regularly test their well water according to guidance provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services.

More Information

Wildlife assets to be auctioned March 25-26 at AZGFD’s Outdoor Expo

Posted on by

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will auction its inventory of wildlife assets at the upcoming 2023 Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, one-half of a mile west of Interstate 17 on Carefree Highway.

Antlers, hides, skulls and wildlife mounts, as well as wildlife artwork and taxidermy — all seized during law enforcement investigations, obtained from animals killed in vehicle collisions, or acquired through donations — will be sold March 25-26. Items can be purchased individually, by the pound or through a silent auction (cash or credit card only).

AZGFD will be posting bidding rules and auction procedures on Instagram (www.instagram.com/gf_assets). Once the expo gets underway, photos of many of the assets will be posted for the benefit of those wanting to see what items become available throughout each day.

Funds generated from the wildlife assets auction are used to purchase equipment and technology used in the investigation of wildlife crimes and to protect the state’s wildlife resources.

Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Admission and parking are free. Event sponsors this year include Sig Sauer (gold), Kimber America (silver), Walther and TrueShot Gun Club (bronze), and Canyon Coolers (prize pack).

Leftover permit-tags remain for 2023 elk hunts

Posted on by

PHOENIX — Arizona hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2023 elk hunts.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted a list of leftover hunt permit-tags, as well as a printable paper application, on its website.

Leftover hunt permit-tags include:

  • 62 — limited opportunity (general) antlerless elk.
  • 9 — limited opportunity (HAM) antlerless elk.
  • 6 — archery-only antlerless elk.
  • 6 — youth-only (general) antlerless elk.
  • 2 — archery-only bull elk.

The department will begin accepting paper applications for leftover hunt permit-tags on a first-come, first-served basis — by mail only — beginning Monday, March 27. All completed paper applications must be addressed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. There is no “mini” draw. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.

Any remaining leftover hunt permit-tags will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, April 3, at all department offices. Some of the leftover hunt permit-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 hunt permit-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.

For more information, including license and hunt permit-tag requirements, view the “2023 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet online, or call 602-942-3000.

2023 pronghorn, elk hunt draw results available

Posted on by

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has released the draw results for 2023 pronghorn and elk hunts.

A customer’s AZGFD portal account is the only source for finding out draw results and viewing bonus points. A free portal account can be created at accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register (account features for minor dependents are available).

A portal account allows customers to create a secure account where they can view and manage their contact information, as well as their licenses, draw results history and bonus points in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. For questions about creating a portal account, call 602-942-3000 and press “7.”

By the numbers:

  • 24,863: The total number of hunt permit-tags issued.
  • 225,376: The total number of those who applied for hunts or bonus points.
  • 184,489: The total number of applications submitted.

AZGFD expects to mail hunt permit-tags to customers by April 14, with the exception of those who have downloaded the new Arizona E-Tag mobile app (from either the Apple or Google Play stores) and opted-in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in their portal account. Customers who have downloaded the app but opted-in after the Feb. 14 deadline will receive their hunt permit-tag by mail. Information: www.azgfd.gov/hunting.

Arizona License and ID cards are getting an updated look

Posted on by

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will be releasing brand new driver license and ID cards this March. The new design will include several new security features that help prevent counterfeit reproductions or fraudulent use.

Attempted counterfeits of driver license and ID cards continue to be a concern for law enforcement, as well as personal information security. The advancement of security features in the card help prevent those counterfeit attempts from being successful.

The new design, which highlights several Arizona features, is a result of a new contract with Thales Group. Thales was selected through a procurement process as the new vendor, because of the company’s ability to provide the latest security features on driver license and ID cards.

New features of this card include:

  • 100% polycarbonate material that consists of multiple layers of plastic, fused together without adhesives, to form a solid structure impervious to tampering. The high durability of polycarbonate also provides the longest lifespan of any card, allowing for extended card life without compromise.
  • Laser-engraved information and black and white photo.
    “Dynaprint,” with two high-resolution images that appear based on the angle of the card, provides front-line authenticators with assurance that the card is genuine and strong protection against duplication or reproduction efforts.
  • Saguaro cactus and ponderosa pine tree images were selected to represent the diversity of Arizona terrain and communities.
  • “Secure Surface” is another security feature that incorporates a slightly raised surface and provides a subtle feel to part of the card. This is another quick authenticator for law enforcement and other authorities. It also helps reduce potential alterations or fraudulent cards.

The new cards will be available in mid-March, for both the Travel ID and the standard ID.

The current card design will continue to be issued for requests through Feb. 28, and will remain valid until the expiration date.

Visit azdot.gov for more information about the new card design.