ADOT honored for US 89A repairs after 2015 House Rock flash flood

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800-houserockflood1PHOENIX — After a spectacularly strong monsoon dumped 1.5 inches of rain on northern Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs in just 15 minutes, it was no surprise that mud and rocks had covered US 89A.

But when Arizona Department of Transportation crews arrived on that day in August 2015, what they saw stopped their bulldozers in their tracks: boulders the size of elephants – 15 feet in diameter – and mud in seven different slides that covered portions of 24 miles of the only road across a wide area north of the Grand Canyon.

In the first six hours, ADOT crews from Page, Flagstaff and Fredonia rescued motorists trapped between mud flows, and within about 20 hours they had one lane open across the area. But the rest of the job was too big for ADOT’s local crews to handle.

The solution: A process known as Job Order Contracting allowed ADOT to bring in The S.J. Anderson Company of Mesa to repair damaged sections of the road quickly and at the lowest possible cost. For that rapid and efficient response as well as its value to the public, the US 89A House Rock Flash Flood Project has been recognized as the 2015 Harry H. Mellon Award of Excellence Winner in Job Order Contracting.

Invented in 1982, Job Order Contracting is a competitively bid construction procurement process government agencies use to accomplish a large number of repair, alteration and straightforward construction projects based on a set of locally priced construction tasks and competitively awarded contracts. Since its invention, Job Order Contracting has developed into a popular solution for agencies to manage and expedite construction projects.

The award, presented annually since 2007 by Greenville, S.C.-based Gordian Group, a provider of construction cost data, software and services, recognizes facility owners, managers and contractors who perform essential repair, alteration and maintenance work using the Job Order Contracting system. ADOT’s entry was selected from thousands nationwide.

“This year’s Award of Excellence winner demonstrated the speed, versatility and efficiencies of Job Order Contracting, even in the face of a natural disaster,” said William Pollak, CEO of Gordian. “We congratulate Arizona DOT and The S.J. Anderson Company for the remarkable job they did serving road users in Arizona.”

Even with the challenges of a huge task in a remote location, the US 89A repairs were completed in just 53 days, with ADOT providing on-site inspection. The contractor mobilized within days of proposal acceptance, bringing crews and equipment from around the Southwest.

“This award recognizes a creative approach that allowed ADOT’s Northcentral District to respond quickly, efficiently and effectively to an unexpected challenge,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “Completing the repairs and cleanup of such a large event in less than two months was an outstanding achievement.”

The value of the Job Order Contracting process was clear when a second monsoon storm caused damage while the repairs were underway. Using standard costs approved by the Arizona Department of Administration, ADOT was able to approve the added work without delay and incorporate it into the project.

Gordian presented the award Thursday, Aug. 4, at the ADOT administration building in Phoenix.

Nazi death camp survivor will sign books in Williams

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auschwitz_arrivee-2WILLIAMS — On September 1, 1939, the German army entered Poland after a false flag at a German radio station. In four days they took Bendzin; the hometown of 12-year-old Dora Szpringer. The Germans burned down a synagogue with about 200 Jews inside. While most Jews in the town were killed, the entire family of Dora Szpringer survived the war.

Now Doris Martin will be here in Williams August 9th to sign copies of her book, Kiss Every Step—the story of that survival.

The book signing is being arranged by Cosette Riggs who is arranging a radio interview. “This is going to be a great opportunity and maybe the last for any of you that want to, to meet a survivor of the Prison camps,” Cossette said. “Our children should be told what happened to these millions of people and we should never forget. ”

Doris will conduct a radio interview on Tuesday, August 9 at 11:30 on KZBX 92.1 FM. She will sign copies of her book at the Wild West Junction dining hall at 1 p.m.

Overnight paving work starts Sunday night on SR 69 between SR 169 and Mendecino Drive in Prescott Valley

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PRESCOTT VALLEY — The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin paving work on State Route 69 in Prescott Valley between State Route 169 and Mendecino Drive (mileposts 281 to 287) this Sunday (Aug. 7). Crews will begin at the State Route 169 and State Route 69 intersection and work northbound for the first week.

Work hours are Sunday through Thursday nights between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Drivers can expect a single lane restriction through the work zone during work hours. Minimal delays are expected.

This $3.8 million project consists of new asphalt, guardrail replacements, new curbs and gutters, sidewalks, sidewalks ramps, new striping and other miscellaneous work.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

Game and Fish Commission to meet tomorrow in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, Aug. 5, at Little America Hotel, 2515 E. Butler Ave., in Flagstaff. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m.

The public can attend the meeting or view it on a webcast at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam. The meeting also can be watched on streaming video at department headquarters in Phoenix, or any regional office statewide with the exception of the regional office in Flagstaff.

Those who wish to speak to the commission may submit “speaker cards” (blue cards) in person at the meeting, or from any Game and Fish office. The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast.

Items on the agenda include:
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  • A briefing on the status of state and federal legislation related to the department’s mission.
  • An update on the department’s statewide outreach campaign to increase public awareness of the department, its mission and how it’s funded.
  • An update on the department’s efforts toward accomplishing commission priorities.
  • A request to approve a notice of exempt rulemaking amending Article 8, Wildlife Areas and Department Property.
  • Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes, and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife (time certain at 10 a.m. Friday).
  • A briefing on black-footed ferret recovery efforts.
  • A briefing on alternative elk harvest strategies in Game Management Units 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B.
  • A request to approve proposed commission orders to establish seasons and season dates, bag and possession limits, hunt permit-tag numbers and open areas for the 2017 seasons for spring turkey, spring javelina, spring bison and spring bear (time certain at 2 p.m. Friday).
  • A presentation on the proposed hunt-permit tag application schedule for the spring 2017 seasons.

To view a copy of the full meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

On Saturday, Aug. 6, the commission and department staff will be given a tour and informational briefing about bison management at the Raymond Wildlife Area east of Flagstaff.

Arizona Game and Fish accepting 2017 Heritage Fund Grants

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is now accepting applications for more than $400,000 in Heritage Fund grants.

The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 31, 2016 to be eligible for grant funding, which will be available through a competitive application process in the following categories: environmental education, outdoor education, schoolyard habitat, urban wildlife/habitat, public access, and Identification, Inventory, Acquisition, Protection and Management (IIAPM). This year 501(c) non-profit organizations can apply for grant funds without the need of a sponsor

The Heritage Fund was created after voters approved an initiative in 1990 and is funded through Arizona Lottery ticket sales. Heritage funding goes toward conservation efforts such as protecting endangered species, educating students and the general public about wildlife and the outdoors, and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The grant program was established by AZGFD in 1992 as part of the overall Heritage Fund program. The grants were initially developed as a way to promote outreach to enhance important partnerships and generate fresh approaches in support of the department’s mission.

Since the grant program’s inception, the department has awarded more than $14 million and supported more than 700 projects throughout the state.

Applicants for this year’s grants should refer to the documents on our Heritage Grant web page for guidance on applying. The documents include the Heritage Grant Application Manual, the Heritage Grant Application Form and the various “Heritage Grant Funding Window” documents, which describe eligibility information and provide specific eligibility criteria listed within each grant sub-category.

Potential grant recipients must have a project that is either located in Arizona or involves research in which the wildlife or its habitat is located in the state.

Proposals/applications for these grants can be submitted either by e-mail to rbeck@azgfd.gov or mailed to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Wildlife Grant Administrator, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. No faxed applications will be accepted.

Applicants can submit grant applications up until the application deadline of 5 p.m. (MST) Monday, Oct. 31, 2016.

Upcoming Heritage Grant Workshops
To learn more about Heritage Fund grants and how to apply for the more than $400,000 in available funds, attend one of the department’s workshops being held at the following times and locations:

  • 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Flagstaff regional Game and Fish office at 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  • 2-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22 at the Game and Fish Headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix.
  • 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the Tucson regional Game and Fish office at 555 N. Greasewood Road.

Those planning to attend a workshop, and those wanting to learn more about eligibility for the grant money, should RSVP to Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530. A minimum of three people must sign up for each workshop or the session will be cancelled 48 hours prior to the date.

Active duty military spouse now can purchase resident license

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department now offers a resident license for the taking of wildlife by the spouse of an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is permanently or temporarily stationed in Arizona.

The law becomes effective Saturday, Aug. 6.
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Licenses can be purchased at all department offices and more than 300 license dealers (PDF list) statewide, as well as online by visiting https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml. If a license is purchased online, it must be printed from a home computer. The department will not mail any license purchased online.

The license also will allow the spouse of an active duty member to apply for big game hunt permit-tags as a resident. At this time, more than 300 leftover permit-tags for fall turkey in Game Management Unit 12A are available for purchase on a “first come, first served” basis at all department offices.

The current law states that a license is required by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to take, handle or possess wildlife (A.R.S. § 17-101 and A.R.S. § 17-331). A.R.S. § 17-337 allows a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty or stationed in the state to purchase a resident license permitting the taking of wildlife.

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

ADEQ Grants First Brownfields Project Funds to Tribal Nation

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials announced today the first state brownfields grant award to a tribal nation for $5,500. ADEQ’s grant will provide the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) with funds to conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment on property known as “Mosquito Flats” in La Paz County.

Mosquito Flats is approximately 11 acres of low-lying tribal land located south of the Main Canal, immediately south of Blue Water Lagoon Resort/Park, in Parker, on an entire watershed of roughly 75 acres. Stormwater has created the potential for petroleum contamination on the site, and another environmental concern involves ponding water creating a mosquito breeding habitat.

ADEQ is currently collaborating with CRIT and a comprehensive group of stakeholders to address the issues. The first step is the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and with the official state brownfield designation for Mosquito Flats, the community will have the opportunity to apply for other crucial funding sources that further revitalize, enhance and protect public health and the environment for this community.

“We are pleased to have the ability to expand this opportunity to tribes, and we hope that they will reach out to us and find out how to apply,” said Ian Bingham, Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison at ADEQ. CRIT and 14 other tribes in Arizona are eligible for brownfields funding.

Redeveloping brownfields has the potential to reduce environmental hazards, mitigate public health threats, create new business opportunities, increase tax revenue, and restore habitats and blighted areas to productive use. Program funds are limited and available to eligible applicants in the order that they apply and qualify.

One fatality in plane crash near Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — At least one fatality has been confirmed in an aircraft crash just south of Forest Highlands—a neighborhood south of Flagstaff, AZ. The victim has been tentatively identified as 76-year-old Homer “Mac” McClure out of Mesa, AZ.

Around 9:24 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 the Flagstaff/Coconino 911 Center received reports from several citizens in the Forest Highlands and Kachina Village areas of a loud crash, possibly a downed aircraft.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Arizona Department of Public Safety Troopers responded to an area just south of Forest Highlands on SR89A and noticed the odor of fuel. They located the crash site near the highway. Highlands Fire Department and DPS Air Rescue also assisted in this response.

The aircraft was a Twin Engine Piper Seneca (1980, PA-34-200T). The crash site was approximately 5 miles SW of Pulliam Airport in the forest near a residential area.

Missing 70 Year-Old Linda Schleizer Found Deceased

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ASH FORK — On July 30, 2016 search teams from Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue were conducting a follow up search for 70 year-old Linda Schleizer in the Juniperwood Ranches area. At approximately 9:00 am, one of the search teams located the deceased body of Ms. Schleizer. The team called Coconino County Sheriff’s Office to respond to the scene. The body of Ms. Schleizer was located approximately ¾ miles to the east of the residence under a juniper tree in a shallow wash area. A Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputy and detective responded along with personnel from the Coconino County Office of the Medical Examiner to conduct the death investigation.

The search for Linda Schleizer has been led by a joint effort of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Other agencies that assisted included Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Wing Civil Air Patrol, Kaibab Estates West Fire Department and Ash Fork Fire Department.

The search for Linda Schleizer began on the afternoon of July 16, 2016 after her husband reported her missing from their home. Ms. Schliezer was 70 years old and suffered from Alzheimers; she was known to walk around the family.

A Silver Alert was issued and search teams were activated the day she was reported missing. The active search continued through the evening of July 19 when it was transitioned to continuous limited status. Follow up search searches were conducted in the area on July 23 and again on July 30 when her body was located.

BOAT SAFE, BOAT SMART, BOAT SOBER

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Coconino County Sheriff Photo.

Coconino County Sheriff Photo.

PAGE — On Saturday, August 13th 2016 law enforcement agencies in Northern Coconino County will be conducting an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and boating safety checkpoint at Lake Powell from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and drug involved boat collisions, OUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the waterways as well as to inform and educate the public of the dangers of impaired boating.

OUI checkpoints are a proven-effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Arizona Game and Fish Department believe boaters can be deterred from operating watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, members of the boating community are encouraged to ensure their vessels are properly outfitted with required safety equipment to ensure a safe voyage.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vessels may be checked for safety equipment and operators who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering operating a watercraft after consuming alcohol or drugs-Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober! Deputies of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will partner with Officers of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, National Park Service, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Page Police Department. It is our desire that this two pronged approach of public awareness/education and strict enforcement will allow boating enthusiasts to have an enjoyable and safe recreational experience in Coconino County.

Safe boating recreation is a must, and everyone should take a minute and remember to check your boats, personal watercraft and all equipment before launching at your favorite lake or waterway. Make sure you have all required safety equipment, such as proper fitting life jackets and working fire extinguishers.