Tag Archives: Phoenix

State agencies working to reduce risk of blowing dust from farm along I-10

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PHOENIX — With trucks spraying water, first responders standing by to close Interstate 10 when conditions warrant, and air quality and agriculture representatives advising the land owner, state agencies are working to reduce the risk from dust blowing off recently plowed farmland in southeastern Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona Department of Public Safety have closed 60-plus miles of I-10 several times in recent weeks as dust has severely limited visibility at milepost 376 near the New Mexico state line. That has sent traffic on a 110-mile detour from US 191 east of Willcox and from US 70 near Lordsburg, New Mexico, through Safford.

Over the weekend, ADOT began using eight tanker trucks to haul water, transferring it to two larger tankers belonging to a local contractor that are used to spray water in hopes of creating a layer of wind-resistant crust. The trucks have given an initial watering to more than 320 acres of the 640 acres responsible for most of the dust restricting visibility on the interstate.

“We’ve mobilized these forces on a short-term basis to help ensure safety and maintain mobility,” said Jesse Gutierrez, ADOT’s deputy state engineer for statewide operations.

Representatives of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Arizona Department of Agriculture are working with the land owner on best practices for reducing dust.

Meanwhile, ADOT employees and Arizona State Troopers are stationed along I-10 near the field and are ready to immediately close the interstate when conditions warrant. With strong winds in the forecast for the coming weekend, more closures are a possibility even after trucks have given the field an initial watering.

“We realize that closing I-10 for an extended period is a hardship for motorists, for drivers of commercial vehicles and for those along the lengthy detour route, but in this case the safest option is the only option,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “ADOT and other state agencies are collaborating to improve highway safety and also limit the economic and time costs created by these dust closures.”

The agencies are keeping track of their use of state resources to reduce dust, improve highway safety and limit disruption of the I-10 corridor and will work with the land owner to arrange reimbursement. The owner is cooperating with these efforts, but the Department of Environmental Quality can require action should that change.

“ADEQ continues to work diligently with the other state agencies and the cooperating farmer to find meaningful short- and long-term solutions to the dust issue,” said Misael Cabrera, director of the Department of Environmental Quality. “ADEQ does have enforcement authority to address excessive dust issues but reserves those actions for cases when a property owner or company does not take the required steps to solve ongoing environmental violations.”

BASF introduces exciting target-shooting experience

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Saturday_Steel_-_BASF_1PHOENIX — “Clang!”

That distinctive sound of a bullet hitting steel soon will be ringing out every third Saturday of the month on the small bore range at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix.

Christopher Dean, range manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said he hopes a new target-shooting experience – “Saturday Steel” – will hit the mark with recreational shooters of all ages and skill levels, beginning Saturday, May 21.

“This is meant to be a fun opportunity,” Dean said. “There isn’t a competitive element. There isn’t a scoring element. This is just an opportunity to shoot some steel targets in an interesting presentation.”

There’s nothing quite like the appeal of steel. Whereas paper targets are great for showing where a bullet hits, the “clang!” from hitting a steel target provides immediate feedback and gratification. That gratification is further enhanced by seeing that target swing and spin.

“We want to create a shooting opportunity in a non-pressure environment,” Dean said. “Some people don’t want to shoot competitively, but they like competitive shooting.”

For a flat fee of $20 for adults, $13 for youths (price includes the $7 BASF daily range pass), customers will have the unlimited option to shoot from several stations, with distances varying from 15 to 85 yards. A range safety officer or mentor will be available to assist customers at each station. Shooting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Time will be allotted for each customer to shoot one full magazine and reload up to two times, if they have extra magazines loaded and ready. Those customers who are shooting revolvers will be able to reload using speed loaders. Only rifles and carbines chambered in .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle or pistol caliber ammunition will be allowed. Not allowed: rimfire magnum cartridges, handguns chambered in any caliber larger than .45, and magnum loads.

In addition, “hot” loads that could penetrate or deform the steel targets, as well as steel core ammunition of any caliber, are not allowed.

Youths also must adhere to the following stipulations:

1 All participating youths must be accompanied by an adult.
2 No youths under 5 will be permitted on the range.
3 Youths 5 to 9 will be limited to shooting rimfire cartridges in .22-Short, Long or Long Rifle only.
4 Youths 10 and older will be allowed to shoot other handgun calibers, with close adult supervision.

As a reminder, all firearms must be cased or properly holstered before entering the range. Hearing and eye protection also is required.

Dean said targets will come in various sizes and shapes, including silhouettes, circles, squares and rectangles, each presenting a unique challenge.

“If you come back the following third Saturday of the month, it’s going to be a totally different presentation,” Dean said. “It’s not going to be the same. We’re going to make it interesting so there’s a reason to come back and shoot again.”

For more information about BASF, call (623) 582-8313 or visit https://www.azgfd.com/Shooting/BASF.

Updated Arizona Diamondbacks specialty license plate inspired by new uniforms

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118PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ updated look doesn’t end with redesigned uniforms rolled out for this season. The organization has worked with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division to overhaul the look of the specialty license plate raising money for team charities.

The plate, with red and black pinstripes across the top and bottom of the plate against a gray background matching the team’s new road uniforms, is now available for purchase at ServiceArizona.com.

Funds raised by the plates go to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation for youth education and development, and to provide housing and health care for those in need.

“We are excited to refresh the D-backs license plate to reflect the same look and feel of our new uniforms,” said Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall. “We have had such a positive reaction to the new design and look forward to having fans support the team and our Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation on Arizona roadways.”

Also available through ServiceArizona.com is a new Southwest PGA license plate supporting youth golf programs in Arizona that foster sportsmanship, honesty and perseverance, and funding golf scholarships for youth based on community involvement and academic excellence.

“On behalf of the more than 1,300 PGA golf professionals that make up the Southwest PGA and that serve as our daily contact with the golfers throughout Arizona, we are extremely grateful to ADOT and state legislators who helped us create the golf license plate,” said Michael Miller, executive director of the Southwest PGA.

Specialty license plates have an annual fee of $25 for a non-personalized plate and $50 for a personalized plate, with $17 going to support the charities.

There are no special requirements to get the license plates. They are also available with a disability symbol.

Because the Arizona Diamondbacks license plate is a redesign, anyone with the current plate can request the new plate design for a $5 replacement fee. However, the redesigned plate has six characters instead of the seven that are on the current Diamondbacks plate, so some personalized messages won’t transfer. Those holding personalized plates that won’t transfer will have to start the application process from the beginning and pay the full $50 fee.

The original Arizona Diamondbacks license plate design is still valid for use.

For more information on specialty plates, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

Quagga-affected waters grow: AZGFD identifies Apache, Saguaro, Canyon lakes

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AZGFD_Quagga-GA-2PHOENIX — Conclusive evidence of quagga mussels has recently been discovered at Canyon, Saguaro and Apache lakes, major recreational waters on the Tonto National Forest. Effective May 1, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will list these lakes as AIS-affected waters under AIS Directors Orders #2.

There is not an infestation of quaggas at Apache, Saguaro or Canyon. Yet there is genetic and visual evidence in all these waters of the invasive quaggas that colonize rapidly on hard surfaces and can ruin recreational watercraft motors, alter water quality for aquatic wildlife, and clog water intake structures such as pipes and screens, thereby impacting pumping capabilities for power and water treatment plants.

Eight of the 12 major reservoirs in Arizona (Powell, Mead, Mojave, Havasu, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro and Pleasant) are listed as quagga-affected waters.

The other major reservoirs – Roosevelt, Bartlett, Alamo and Horseshoe – are not impacted by quagga mussels, but require AZGFD’s increased protection.

“By law, boaters and anglers must pull their drainage plugs before transporting a watercraft from these listed waters,” said Tom McMahon, AZGFD aquatic invasive species program coordinator, “but it makes sense to simply pull their drainage plugs, and leave them out, anytime they are transporting watercraft in and through Arizona.”

In addition, inspect your boat and ensure it is completely dried before launching into any state waters. This is where the need to “Clean, Drain and Dry” is vital.

Under Arizona law, boaters and all recreationists who take watercraft and other equipment out of waters designated as having aquatic invasive species must use the following steps when leaving that listed water:

1. CLEAN. Clean/remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from the anchor, boat, motor, hull, trailer, etc.
2. DRAIN. Remove all water drainage plugs (and keep them out during transport). Drain the water from the bilge, live-well and any other compartments that could hold water. Drain the water from the engine and engine cooling system(s). You can do this by lowering the outboard, while on the ramp, until the water is removed.
3. DRY. Ensure the watercraft, vehicle, equipment, or conveyance is allowed to dry completely before placing in water in Arizona. Leaving your plugs out during transport will assist in ventilating and speeding the drying time of those difficult-to-dry areas of your boat.

If you are in need of decontaminating your moored boat before transporting from an AIS-affected water, please contact AZGFD at (623) 236-7608.

ADEQ, ADOT and Keep Arizona Beautiful Host Free Environmental Resources Roadshows in Williams and Prescott Valley

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and Keep Arizona Beautiful (KAZB) staff will conduct two “Environmental Resources Roadshows,” where attendees will learn about ways to improve their local environment.

The meetings will be held at:

  • Williams
    Tuesday, May 24, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    Williams Council Chambers
    113 S 1st Street
    Williams, AZ 86046
  • Prescott Valley
    Wednesday, May 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    Chamber of Commerce
    7120 Pav Way, Suite 102
    Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Phoenix’s newest residents begin to hatch

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Peregrine_chick_2016-05-09_at_7.16.27_AM_webPHOENIX — After more than 30 days of anticipation by viewers around the world, the first of downtown Phoenix’s peregrine falcon eggs was welcomed on Mother’s Day after hatching at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

It’s anticipated that a second egg could hatch any time as an influx of viewers the world over monitor the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife camera live stream at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

The falcon pair laid four eggs in late March, but two cracked and were discarded by the parents. The first chick hatched Sunday appears active, healthy and can be seen as the mother repositions herself on the nest.

“The live stream offers a unique, unobtrusive opportunity for viewers to witness one of nature’s wonders that is rarely seen,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Viewers will be able to follow the development of the young hatchlings and will want to stay tuned for the next important milestone in the young birds’ lives, fledging, which will occur about 30 days after hatching.”

Anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can watch the birds that live atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix.

Game and Fish launched this live stream in early March when the pair was starting to display courtship behavior. Viewers can help support the costs of bringing the live feed to their homes by selecting the donation button found just below the viewing screen and making a small contribution.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade.
Maricopa County partnered with the department and is allowing biologists to monitor the birds and access the nest site when necessary.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world’s most widespread raptors and are found on nearly every continent. The species nearly went extinct in North American from pesticide poisoning, but thanks to recovery efforts, the species was removed from the U.S.’s Endangered Species Act in 1999.

Peregrines feed almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.

ADOT Motor Vehicle Division created Voluntary Travel ID on tight deadline

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PHOENIX — Less than a year ago, it was uncertain how long Arizona driver licenses and identification cards would continue getting residents through airport security. When a state law that took effect in July 2015 allowed the Arizona Department of Transportation to create a credential complying with the federal REAL ID Act, Motor Vehicle Division employees had to move quickly to make it happen.

Today, the state has a Voluntary Travel ID and an assurance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that current credentials will be accepted at airports and restricted federal facilities until Oct. 1, 2020. In late April, federal officials formalized that by certifying the Voluntary Travel ID.

The achievement follows exhaustive work by MVD employees who, facing a deadline of April 1, 2016, created not only a credential meeting all 39 security requirements of the REAL ID Act but the processes and procedures needed to make it available to customers.

“Governor Ducey has challenged state agencies to operate at the speed of business, and our dedicated MVD team did just that to create this new Travel ID on such a tight schedule,” Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “Thanks to their hard work, Arizonans now have time to decide if and when they want to get one.”

Sixty team members worked to create the new credential. Many wrote code within MVD’s computer system for the new ID and had to distinguish it from the standard driver license and ID card since state law gives people the option of getting a Travel ID, a process that took months to complete.

MVD also went through a series of tests with the vendor that prints Arizona’s driver licenses and ID cards to ensure the information was transmitting correctly. The vendor, in turn, had to ensure the credential would integrate with MVD systems. The computer system had to be tested as well to verify that records were being properly created.

“In addition to all of the computer programming, we had to train hundreds of staff members and Authorized Third Party employees to learn the new process for issuing the Voluntary Travel ID and develop new forms and policies as well,” MVD Driver License Specialist Madelene Carbajal said. “At the end of the day, we had dozens of employees spending thousands of hours on this project.”

Because the Voluntary Travel ID is in place and approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, there’s no rush for Arizonans to get one. Everyone applying for renewal or first-time driver licenses and ID cards has the option, and those who wish to convert current driver licenses and ID cards may do so at select MVD offices by making appointments at ServiceArizona.com. In addition, 24 Authorized Third Party partners offer driver licenses services and can convert existing licenses or IDs.

To learn more about the Voluntary Travel ID, please visit azdot.gov/TravelID.

Phoenix workshop scheduled for ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan

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PHOENIX — Community members, businesses and stakeholders are invited to provide their input and ideas to shape the long-range vision for Arizona’s transportation system during a workshop in Phoenix next week.

The workshop, scheduled for Thursday, May 12, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., will be held at the Maricopa Association of Governments, 302 N. First Ave. in Phoenix.

The meeting is the last in a series of more than a dozen statewide workshops hosted by ADOT. These “Think Ahead about Transportation” workshops, which began in January, help shape ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, also known as What Moves You Arizona, which is updated every five years. The Long-Range Plan looks 25 years down the road to determine the best mix of investment to preserve, modernize and expand the state transportation system with the resources available.

While ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan is not project-specific, it identifies priorities based on current and projected transportation funding over the next 25 years. Because limited revenues will not meet all current and future transportation needs, it’s up to the public, policymakers and communities to tell ADOT what’s important to them.

More than 350 people representing more than 150 organizations around Arizona participated in the previous statewide workshops. A full report on all the workshops will be posted on the long-range plan website once the MAG workshop is completed. The next round of public comment opportunities will include another set of workshops, along with an interactive online tool that will allow people to weigh in on the criteria that will be used to select improvement projects in the future.

A reliable transportation system is vital, as people and commerce move through a statewide network to get to where they’re going. To keep pace, the transportation needs of tomorrow take planning and investment to ensure that Arizona stays competitive and meets the needs of a growing state.

Visit azdot.gov/whatmovesyouarizona for more information on ADOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan. You can leave a comment at azdot.gov/whatmovesyouarizona/comments. The final version of the plan is expected to be complete in early 2017.

For those interested in attending next week’s Phoenix workshop, please RSVP by emailing Dillon Kennedy at dkennedy@azdot.gov or call 602.712.7106.

Interstate 10 reopens in southeastern Arizona after long closure

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PHOENIX — Interstate 10 has reopened in southeastern Arizona after a daylong closure caused by dust blowing from a recently plowed field near San Simon.

With visibility severely reduced at milepost 376, the Arizona Department of Transportation closed 60-plus miles of the interstate in both directions from east of Willcox to Lordsburg, New Mexico.

ADOT personnel stationed at the scene will close the highway in the interest of safety when conditions warrant and detour traffic on US 191 and US 70 through Safford. Those planning to travel this route should budget extra time in case of delays and be aware of the potential for blowing dust to appear suddenly.

Dust closes I-10 between US 191 in southeastern Arizona and Lordsburg, New Mexico

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 10 between US 191 in southeastern Arizona and Lordsburg, New Mexico, due to blowing dust from a field at milepost 376 near San Simon.

The 62-mile stretch will remain closed until visibility improves in the stretch next to the newly plowed field. With strong wind forecast throughout the day, the closure could continue through early Friday evening.

ADOT has personnel closely monitoring the area in conjunction with DPS and has resources in place to immediately close the highway when visibility becomes an issue for drivers. With strong winds in the forecast, drivers in the area should remember that conditions can quickly change and that dust is difficult to predict.

Eastbound I-10 traffic is being routed onto US 191 north to US 70 east in Safford. Drivers may continue on US 70 into New Mexico and re-enter I-10 at Lordsburg, New Mexico.

With westbound I-10 closed at Lordsburg, New Mexico, drivers may take US 70 to Safford and then US 191 south to I-10.

The detour route is approximately 110 miles.

With strong winds occurring today, motorists should keep in mind that blowing dust is possible even when there isn’t a major storm. Avoid driving into blowing dust, but if you are caught:

· Immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
· Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway; do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
· Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
· Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
· Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
· Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the dust to subside.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.