Tag Archives: Flagstaff

Supervisors update Wildfire Defense Ordinance

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors updated the Wildfire Defense Ordinance during a special session Wednesday, May 3. The updates clarified language in the ordinance and strengthened the coordination of fire-related activities between fire management jurisdictions within the County.

The largest wildfires in Coconino County, the Schultz and Slide Fires, were human caused. The total economic impact of the Schultz Fire alone estimated at between $133-147 million. The Schultz Fire in 2010 claimed 15,000 acres and 2014’s Slide Fire claimed 21,000 acres.

“Residents of Coconino County know too well the damage wildfire can cause,” said Chairwoman of the Board, Liz Archuleta. “The updated language in the Wildfire Defense Ordinance will clear up confusion, specify roles of agencies and provide better communication with residents and visitors. This will help keep our communities safe from fire and protect the well- being of our forests.”

The updated changes to the Wildfire Defense Ordinance (2017-05) are effective May 3, 2017 and the following updates will be incorporated:

• During fire restrictions, people can’t initiate, facilitate, maintain, cause or contribute to a campfire, an open fire, or use of fireworks; or knowingly engage in an activity likely to result in combustion.
• Narrowly defined exemptions during fire restrictions. Permits for exemptions are requested through the local fire district. People living outside of a fire district can request a variance through Coconino County Emergency Management.
• Fire restriction stages are in line with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the U.S. Forest Service.

The Wildfire Defense Ordinance guidelines are enacted by the Board of Supervisors with recommendations by the Emergency Management Director.

“Thank you to the Board of Supervisors for their input and hard work on updating the Wildfire Defense Ordinance,” said Coconino County Emergency Management Director Todd Whitney. “I also want to thank our local, state and federal partners for working with us to make updates to this ordinance. We look forward to keeping constituents and visitors informed during fire restrictions.”

The full ordinance and a complete list of changes can be found at: www.coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management

Lake Mary Road Reconstruction Project starts next month

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FLAGSTAFF — The contractor for the Federal Highway Administration’s Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFL) will break ground Monday, May, 8 on an $8.2 million renovation project on Lake Mary Road.

Crews have mobilized and are ready to start construction. Electronic message boards are in place on both sides of the project corridor. Work is scheduled during daylight hours, Monday – Saturday. Flaggers, signage and other traffic control measures will be in place and pilot cars will also be used to guide vehicles through the construction zone.

Drivers along Lake Mary Road should expect delays of up to 30 minutes and are encouraged to use extra caution and obey posted speed limits though the construction zone.

The CFL-managed Lake Mary Road Reconstruction Project includes widening five miles of the roadway for multimodal use, which will help the Lake Mary Road Corridor become an international destination for major cycling and triathlon events.

The five miles of widening will be between milepost 312.5 and milepost 317.5. Another two miles of Lake Mary Road between mileposts 310 and 312.5 will be milled and overlaid. In addition, the superstructure and decking of the Willow Valley Creek Bridge at milepost 297.5 will be replaced. The project is expected to be completed this fall, weather permitting.

A key route between Flagstaff and Payson, Lake Mary Road is a vital economic generator. Between 1,200 and 1,300 vehicles travel the road each day. It is also a high-use recreational corridor with access to camping, hiking, hunting fishing, road and mountain biking, cross-country skiing and wildlife watching. In 2015 the U.S. Forest Service estimated that 70 percent of all travel along the road was for recreation including a daily average of 161 bicyclists.

The Lake Mary Road Reconstruction Project is largely funded by a Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) grant that was awarded in April 2013. The County’s portion of the project is being funded by Proposition 403 revenues. CFL awarded the contract for the project to Glendale, AZ-based Stormwater Plans, LLC earlier this month.

Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board. Effective May 4, one seat became vacant due to the resignation of Jennifer Allen.

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:

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

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

Superior Court hosts Law Day

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superior Court and DNA Legal Services are hosting Law Day at the Coconino County Courthouse. The proceedings will begin at 8:45 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2017.

This year’s theme is “The Fourteenth Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.” The theme provides an opportunity to explore the ways the Fourteenth Amendment has shaped American law and society. During Law Day, legal professionals and community leaders educate students on how the Fourteenth Amendment contributes to the freedoms and equal protection for all Americans. The theme is selected by the American Bar Association each year.

Throughout the day, local middle and high school students will participate in Moot Courts. Students prepare, present and argue cases with the assistance of local attorneys in front of a Superior Court Judge.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation during the April 18 regular meeting declaring May 5, 2017 as Law Day in the County. This was in accordance with the nationally recognized day for commemoration.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in all activities for this year’s Law Day.

Stranded hiker rescued near Page

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BITTER SPRINGS – Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and DPS Air Rescue helicopter rescued a lone stranded female hiker from cliffs east of Bitter Springs.

On Sunday April 30th, at approximately 4:30 pm Coconino county Sheriff’s Office received a request for a rescue in the Bitter Springs Area. The hiker, an adult Female from Page, Arizona had been hiking alone on a back-country route of Echo Peak when she went off trail and became stuck on a cliff.

The Stranded Female called in to the National Park Service requesting help. The area was outside of the National Park, so Park Service contacted the Sheriff’s office. Sheriff’s Deputies from Page, AZ responded to the area. Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded from Flagstaff. The Sheriff’ s office also requested assistance from Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Helicopter from Flagstaff.

The DPS helicopter and a Search and Rescue Short Haul Technician, were able to successfully rescue the female from the cliff face shortly before dark. the female did not require any medical attention and was transported back to her vehicle by Sheriff’s Deputies.

ADOT moves forward with project replacing pavement on 12 miles of I-40

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FLAGSTAFF – With a contractor selected, the Arizona Department of Transportation is moving forward with a $13.9 million project to add new pavement to 12 miles of Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Williams.

Meeting in Flagstaff on Friday, April 21, the State Transportation Board approved a contract for the project with FNF Construction. A schedule will be set in the coming weeks.

The work in both directions between Parks and Riordan, milepost 179 to 191, will mill down several inches of the current pavement and replace it with new asphalt. It will greatly improve a road surface that has required regular repairs due to the combination of more than 200 freeze-thaw cycles each year and heavy use by commercial vehicles, as well as damage from numerous storms this past winter.

“We’re grateful this much needed project is moving forward,” said Audra Merrick, ADOT’s North Central District engineer. “This project will be the long-term fix to the damage the road has taken over the winter.”

The project also will replace pavement on the on- and off-ramps at the Bellemont interchange, replace guardrail and make minor bridge deck repairs at the Bellemont and A-1 Mountain Road overpasses.

A similar project, slated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, will pick up where this project ends at milepost 179, and continue west for 17 miles to Cataract Lake near Williams.

After pavement damage from powerful and repeated winter storms, ADOT crews continue following up on temporary repairs with asphalt overlays on I-17, State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon and other parts of I-40.

Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Lottery Street Team to promote Lottery in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Cardinals team mascot Big Red, Cardinals Cheerleaders and the Arizona Lottery Street Team are taking to the road to visit Arizona cities for the annual “Cardinals Caravan” presented by the Arizona Lottery to engage with Cardinals fans throughout the state.

The caravan will be in Flagstaff on Wednesday, May 3 at the Safeway; 1500 E. Cedar Avenue from 4 to 6 p.m. The caravan group will sign autographs and provide Cardinals giveaways. Arizona Lottery’s Street Team will also be offering a “Spin-to-Win” promotion.

A purchase of $10 worth of Powerball tickets will make you a qualified purchaser and the purchaser will receive an entry to win the grand prize, a co-branded Arizona Cardinals hat and a spin on the prize wheel.

The Grand Prize is two tickets to a 2017 Arizona Cardinals game at University of Phoenix Stadium, two pre-game field passes, two VIP tailgate passes, a one-night stay for two people at a Phoenix area resort hotel; and a $100 gas card.

There is no limit on the number of Powerball draw tickets that may be purchased, but there is a limit of two (2) co-branded items, a limit of five (5) Entry Forms, and a limit of five (5) opportunities to spin the prize wheel per Qualifying Purchaser, regardless of the number of Qualifying Purchases that are made by that Qualifying Purchaser.

You can download a PDF of all official rules.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Leads Multi-Agency Response to Two Separate Rescues

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue Unit coordinated two rescues yesterday afternoon. Both individuals needing rescuing were transported by ground ambulance for further medical treatment, neither had life-threatening injuries.

The 70 year-old woman rescued from West Clear Creek was a Sedona, AZ resident on a day hike. Special thanks to the USFS which had an engine crew and hot shot crew in the area as well as the Blue Ridge Fire Department for their assistance with the rescue. Downed trees across the trail needed to be removed to assist with carrying out of the woman. She was the transported by ground ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Center for further medical treatment.

The young man injured during a fall near Water Holes Canyon was an 18 year-old Page, AZ resident. The subject had injuries to his upper body and was unable to climb out. The Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the assistance from National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Page Fire Department personnel helped the injured subject to an alternate exit route. He was transported by ground ambulance to the Page Hospital for further medical treatment.

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

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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 2018-2022 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, April 21, at the Coconino County Administration Building, first floor board meeting room, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, 86001. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow.

In its Tentative Program, ADOT proposes accelerating some key expansion projects for Greater Arizona because of federal funding increases, grants and state budget appropriations. They include:

  • two Interstate 10 widening projects in Pinal County (State Route 87 to Picacho and Earley Road to Interstate 8), now accelerated to fiscal year 2018 due in part to a $54 million federal FASTLANE grant;
  • the first phase of a project to improve State Route 189 in Nogales between the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19, now planned for fiscal year 2019 because of a $25 million state budget appropriation aimed at accelerating the project;
  • two major widening projects along US 93 in fiscal years 2018 and 2020 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 proposed 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.

These are just some of the projects that are included in the 2018-2022 Tentative Program. The complete report is available at azdot.gov for review and comment until May 30.

Many of the major projects in this Tentative Program focus on improving some of Arizona’s busiest corridors. Better mobility means better daily commutes and travel for everyone. Improved roads also enhance freight movement, trade, commerce and economic development, all of which benefit the quality of life statewide.

ADOT is also committed to protecting Arizona’s nearly $21 billion investment in the state highway system through dedicated preservation funding. This Five-Year Program meets ADOT’s target of $260 million per year for preservation. Projects like repaving highways, repairing or reconstructing bridges and projects to extend the life of existing pavement all help to preserve the highway system and keep it functioning as it should.

The public comment period for the 2018-2022 Tentative Program began on March 17. It includes public hearings in Tucson (March 17), Flagstaff (April 21) and Phoenix (May 19). The State Transportation Board will make its final decision in June about what will be in the updated Five-Year Program.

The Tentative Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/FiveYearPlan, where a “how to read it” guide is available. ADOT welcomes feedback through Survey Monkey at surveymonkey.com/r/M36583J, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by calling 855.712.8530. The comment period ends at 5 p.m. on May 30.

Following are details about the two remaining public hearings and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting where the final Five-Year Program is expected to be approved:

April 21 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the Coconino County Administration Building, first floor board meeting room, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff.

May 19 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

June 16 at 9 a.m.: State Transportation Board meeting in Payson. Meeting details will be announced when finalized.

Visit the Tentative Five-Year Program website at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan for more information.

ADOT improving Twin Arrows interchange along I-40 east of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – An Arizona Department of Transportation project underway at the Twin Arrows interchange along Interstate 40 just east of Flagstaff will improve access for drivers.

The $4.5 million project between mileposts 218 and 220 will create new eastbound off- and on-ramps, and improve the bridge structure with new girders, wider abutments, a widened and repaved deck, and new safety barriers.

I-40 drivers will encounter a lane restriction in both directions at the interchange as work continues. Access to Twin Arrows Road and I-40 will be maintained, though occasional detours can be expected. Work is expected to be complete by fall.