Category: Government

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 9-13, 2024

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 9-13, 2024

In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are excited to share a new promotional video featuring Joshua Stegemeyer, Arizona Department of Health Services Suicide Prevention Program Manager.

This video emphasizes the crucial role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support for those experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts. Residents of Grand Canyon, AZ, can call or text “9-8-8” to connect with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate, compassionate help at no cost. For those who prefer, support is also available via chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.

For our community living at Grand Canyon, this information is particularly relevant as it ensures that help is always accessible, regardless of time or location. The 988 Lifeline offers specialized support for a wide range of individuals, including those in remote areas like ours. By promoting awareness of this vital service, we can help ensure that everyone in our community knows they have a valuable resource available whenever they need it.

For more details about what happens when you contact 988, please visit azhealth.gov/988.

Read more →

Discover Flagstaff — Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, Pepsi Amphitheater Sept. 13-15

by  •  • Comments Off on Discover Flagstaff — Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, Pepsi Amphitheater Sept. 13-15

Join us for Pickin’ in the Pines, voted “Flagstaff’s Best Festival” for the last 6 years! Live music, camping, jamming, music workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and amazing memories made in the pines! Fri-Sat 10 a.m., Sun 9 a.m

Learn More

Read more →

Harm Reduction Products Available in New CCHHS Vending Machine

by  •  • Comments Off on Harm Reduction Products Available in New CCHHS Vending Machine

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has announced the availability of a new Public Health Harm Reduction (PHHR) Vending Machine to provide convenient access to free lifesaving harm reduction supplies.

The self-serve PHHR vending machine is located in the lobby of the CCHHS Flagstaff office, 2625 N. King Street. Access is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.

Public health vending machines are an innovative, low-barrier strategy to reduce stigma and reach those who may not already be connected to harm-reduction services. Similar machines in the United States have demonstrated success at reducing rates of overdose and infectious disease.

Read more →

Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff announces minimum wage for 2025

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff announces minimum wage for 2025

FLAGSTAFF — Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 and $16.85 for tipped workers.

On Sept. 11, 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the consumer price index (CPI) numbers for August of 2024. The CPI for August 2024 was 2.5% greater than for August 2023. Accordingly, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025.

Read more →

Grand Canyon National Park Eases Water Restrictions

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon National Park Eases Water Restrictions

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.

Operational changes include:

South Rim:

Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Fire restrictions throughout the South Rim will be lifted. However, the park will remain under Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require campfires to be contained within designated fire rings in maintained campgrounds. In the inner canyon, only gas cook stoves are permitted; campfires and other open fires are not allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permits regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Read more →

Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $768 million to local economy in 2023

by  •  • Comments Off on Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $768 million to local economy in 2023

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.” 

“We’re excited to see how the Grand Canyon continues to drive economic growth in our local communities,” said Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable. “The spending by our visitors not only underscores the park’s allure but also highlights its vital role in supporting jobs and boosting the regional economy.”

Read more →

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport announces planned emergency response exercise on Sept. 9

by  •  • Comments Off on Flagstaff Pulliam Airport announces planned emergency response exercise on Sept. 9

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) would like to inform the public of an increased presence of first responders at the airport on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. This heightened activity is part of a planned full-scale exercise, “Operation Ready FLG.” The exercise involves a simulated aircraft incident and is being conducted in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Flight operations at the airport will not be affected.

The primary objective of “Operation Ready FLG” is to test and enhance the airport’s emergency response capabilities. The exercise will involve local, state, and federal agencies, with a focus on improving interoperability and coordination.

Read more →

Flagstaff Pedestrian underpass construction moves forward; traffic pattern changing

by  •  • Comments Off on Flagstaff Pedestrian underpass construction moves forward; traffic pattern changing

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, have finished installing a portion of the large concrete structure for the new pedestrian underpass on the west side of Milton Road. With this work complete, crews will begin installing the remaining portion of the concrete structure and appurtenances on the east side of Milton Road.

Read more →

Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff announces Neighborhood Sustainability Grants applications now open through Sept. 30

by  •  • Comments Off on Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff announces Neighborhood Sustainability Grants applications now open through Sept. 30

The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant (NSG) Program provides funding for creative projects that enhance community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through community partnerships.

The NSG Program for the year 2024 will award a total of $75,000, with maximum grants up to $7,500. The NSG is funded through the Environmental Management Fee. Local organizations, individuals, schools, and businesses whose projects are within Flagstaff city limits are eligible to apply. Applicants are eligible for one grant every other year.

Read more →

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s City Council Candidate Questionnaire Now Available

by  •  • Comments Off on Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s City Council Candidate Questionnaire Now Available

All six candidates named on the November general election ballot have answered the questions posed by F3 in our City Council Candidate Questionnaire. Flagstaff voter’s will decide who among the candidates will fill three open seats on City Council.

Eight questions addressing local issues and concernswere crafted by F3’s Board and Director. The candidates were asked to keep their replies to 150 words or less. We thank those who provided us with potential questions for the candidates.

There are many more questions to be asked of the council candidates and we encourage you to attend F3’s upcoming City Council Candidate Forum on September 23 (see below for details) and ask your questions.

View the candidate’s answers here:

Read more →

Grand Canyon National Park to Reopen South Rim Hotels Sept. 5

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon National Park to Reopen South Rim Hotels Sept. 5

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park will reopen hotels on the park’s South Rim beginning Thursday, September 5 and transition down to Stage 3 water restrictions.  

Park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline late last week and resumed pumping water without identifying any new breaks. The park will operate under Stage 3 water restrictions until the water storage tanks have adequate capacity to return to routine water conservation practices.  

Read more →

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 9/02/24

by  •  • Comments Off on Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 9/02/24

View this email in your browser September 2nd, 2024 Connect with your community Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please…

Read more →

City of Flagstaff announces Labor Day closures

by  •  • Comments Off on City of Flagstaff announces Labor Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Labor Day include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.

Read more →

Grand Canyon Seeks Public Review and Comment on Park Section 106 Programmatic Agreement

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon Seeks Public Review and Comment on Park Section 106 Programmatic Agreement

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — The National Park Service (NPS) is beginning public review of a programmatic agreement to establish a more efficient process to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from August 29 – September 28, 2024.

Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects that are carried out, assisted, funded, permitted, or licensed by the federal government on historic properties. If a federal or federally assisted project has the potential to affect historic properties, a Section 106 review takes place.

Read more →

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The ECoNA Q&A: Dave Cheney

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The ECoNA Q&A: Dave Cheney

Dave Cheney is CEO & President at Northern Arizona Healthcare, leading Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, primary care and specialty clinics throughout Northern Arizona. Prior to joining NAH, Dave served as President and CEO of Sutter Hospitals. He led six area CEOs and oversaw the 24 hospitals within the Sutter Health System, following his tenure as CEO of Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. 

Cheney is a member of the ECoNA Board. Below is an excerpt from our recent interview with him. You can see the full interview here.

Read more →

Coconino County Parks & Recreation September 2024 Update

by  •  • Comments Off on Coconino County Parks & Recreation September 2024 Update

Join us to celebrate 75 years of the Coconino County Fair! Get excited for fun rides, delicious fair food, awesome exhibits, animals, entertainment, fun, and memories!

Join us Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2, at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds!

Entertainment Headliners Friday, 8:00: The Outlaw Mariachi Saturday, 8:00: RaeLynn
Sunday, 8:00: La Brazza Norteña Monday, 2:00: Sonoran Dogs

Read more →

Havasupai Canyon Flood Recovery Effort

by  •  • Comments Off on Havasupai Canyon Flood Recovery Effort

***

By the Havasupai Tribe

GRAND CANYON — Many of you have asked how you can assist the Havasupai Tribe following the effects of last week’s flash flood. The Tribe is so appreciative of the generosity of so many people.

Grand Canyon Caverns Inn can accept donations at any time.

Our focus is on rebuilding and repairing our community and providing supplies for our tribal members.

We thank you in advance for your donation.

Here is a link to the Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3B3UA7JCYD75G…

Read more →

Grand Canyon National Park to Temporarily Close Overnight Hotel Accommodations Beginning Aug. 29 

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon National Park to Temporarily Close Overnight Hotel Accommodations Beginning Aug. 29 

GRAND CANYON, AZ.—Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim starting the afternoon of Thursday, August 29, due to a series of four significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since July 8, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to either the South or North Rim. 

Read more →

Old Route 66 to be Closed Between Cool Pines and Sherwood Forest Roads During Culvert Construction

by  •  • Comments Off on Old Route 66 to be Closed Between Cool Pines and Sherwood Forest Roads During Culvert Construction

Starting Monday, August 26, Old Route 66 will be closed for up to 65 days between N. Cool Pines Road and N. Sherwood Forest Road to reconstruct the box culvert. During this period all traffic will be detoured along E. Pittman Valley Road. 

Read more →

Supervisor Patrice Horstman — District 1 Summer Newsletter 2024!

by  •  • Comments Off on Supervisor Patrice Horstman — District 1 Summer Newsletter 2024!

IN THIS ISSUE

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
New Coconino County Leadership
BOS Approves 2025 Budget
BOS Canvassed 2024 Primary Election Results
Pipeline / Copeland / Peaceful Way / Government Tank – Flood Control District Update
Pinyon Mine Is Hauling Uranium Ore
Proposition 482 Sustains County Services
Lake Mary Recreation Corridor Just Gets Better
Flagstaff Family Food Center Hosts 2024 Northern Arizona Anti-Hunger Summit
BOS Continues its Leadership at National Association of Counties Conference
Summer Events / Festivities
Upcoming Events

Read more →

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Alert: Coconino County Recorder Candidate Debate Tuesday, Aug. 27

by  •  • Comments Off on Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Alert: Coconino County Recorder Candidate Debate Tuesday, Aug. 27

F3 has just learned that Arizona Clean Elections Commissionhas organized a debate between Coconino County’s two candidates for the position of Recorder: Aubrey Sondereggerand Bob Thorpe. The candidates will be on the November 2024 General Election ballot.

The County Recorder is responsible for voter registration, early voting, as well as processing and maintaining voter registration records, among other tasks. The Recorder serves a four-year term.

The debate will be broadcast virtually on Tuesday, August 27 starting at 6:00 pm on YouTube. This debate can be accessed live here. Write-in questions to the candidates can be emailed to debates@azcleanelections.gov, sent by text to 408-302-1810, or by calling 480-937-1253 in real time during the debate.

Read more →

New rates for water, sewer, and reclaimed water take effect Sept. 1, 2024

by  •  • Comments Off on New rates for water, sewer, and reclaimed water take effect Sept. 1, 2024

FLAGSTAFF —New rates and fees for potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services will take effect Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 for Flagstaff City customers. The rates will increase over a five-year period to adequately fund water infrastructure projects, operations, maintenance, and debt repayment contained in the five-year capital improvement program for Flagstaff Water Services.  

Read more →

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) F3 Opposes the Pinyon Plain Mine

by  •  • Comments Off on Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) F3 Opposes the Pinyon Plain Mine

F3 supports the sovereignty of indigenous tribes and peoples and believes the wishes of Indigenous peoples to close the Pinyon Plain Mine should be honored.

The Havasupai tribe have stated that uranium mining near the Grand Canyon poses real dangers to groundwater in the region. There is a risk of contamination of the ecologically important seeps and springs in the Grand Canyon area, including the Havasupai sole source of water. F3 supports Attorney General Mayes’ demand for an updated Environmental Impact Statement.

F3 also supports the Navajo and Hopi tribes in their efforts to stop the hauling of uranium ore through tribal lands.

Read more →

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 19-23, 2024

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 19-23, 2024

Water Conservation and Inner Canyon Water Status

Due to a break in the Transcanyon Waterline, the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is implementing stricter water restrictions and conservation measures. The North Rim will also begin preliminary conservation efforts. The park will remain in conservation mode until repairs are completed and water levels at storage tanks are restored.

Read more →

Old Route 66 to be Closed Between Cool Pines and Sherwood Forest Roads During Culvert Construction

by  •  • Comments Off on Old Route 66 to be Closed Between Cool Pines and Sherwood Forest Roads During Culvert Construction

Coconino County’s contractor is mobilizing to break ground next week on a project to replace the existing Volunteer Wash box culvert on Old Route 66.

Starting Monday, August 26, Old Route 66 will be closed for up to 65 days between N. Cool Pines Road and N. Sherwood Forest Road to reconstruct the box culvert. During this period all traffic will be detoured along E. Pittman Valley Road. 

Read more →

City of Flagstaff’s Lucky Lane Reconstruction Project to begin week of Sept. 23

by  •  • Comments Off on City of Flagstaff’s Lucky Lane Reconstruction Project to begin week of Sept. 23

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, the City and its contractor, C & E Paving and Grading, will be reconstructing Lucky Lane between Butler Avenue and Bronco Way. The project will begin the week of September 23 and is scheduled to be complete by late November. The work will include the removal and replacement of the asphalt pavement, sidewalk repairs and replacements, and curb replacement and installation.

Read more →

2024 Housing Forum brings community ‘Home’ to build an Arizona for everyone

by  •  • Comments Off on 2024 Housing Forum brings community ‘Home’ to build an Arizona for everyone

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), will host the annual Arizona Housing Forum at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell, AZ from August 21-23, bringing together hundreds of affordable housing and homelessness stakeholders committed to building an Arizona for everyone.

The 2024 Arizona Housing Forum provides an unparalleled opportunity for affordable housing and community development professionals to learn, network, and share ideas that create and improve housing and community development choices in Arizona.

“The Arizona Housing Forum is an important event for the state and all our community housing partners as we look for smart solutions to our housing needs,” said ADOH CEO Joan Serviss. “Coming together to share ideas, successes, and challenges and to learn from each other creates the bridge that gets us to those affordable solutions.”

Read more →

United Way of Northern Arizona — How Pacesetters Are ‘Leading the Way’ – and How You Can Join Them

by  •  • Comments Off on United Way of Northern Arizona — How Pacesetters Are ‘Leading the Way’ – and How You Can Join Them

The impact of our Pacesetters – the companies and organizations that fundraise for our annual campaign in the month ahead of our official launch – is truly invaluable.

Their efforts not only lead the way by providing a head start in our fundraising efforts, but they also infuse the campaign with their enthusiasm. Their work generates buzz and builds up anticipation as they rally the community around United Way of Northern Arizona and promote our mission of stepping up for our youth and our community.

If you’ve attended one of our UWNA campaign kickoff events, you know that a big highlight is when the Pacesetters proudly present what they raised, often with oversized novelty checks or other creative displays.

Read more →

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Evolving Retail Sector in Northern Arizona

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Evolving Retail Sector in Northern Arizona

Good afternoon,

At first glance, it’s felt like a cruel summer for northern Arizona’s retail sector, with a string of announcements about store and restaurant closings. Often they were places that had been staples of the community for years: Big Lots, Kachina Kitchen, Peter Piper Pizza, Grimaldi’s.

While those businesses will certainly be missed, their closings don’t tell the whole story of the retail landscape in our region.

When a retail business closes, it often creates opportunities for new businesses to emerge, a life cycle that’s a part of how this sector evolves.

Throughout northern Arizona, we’ve had far more retail business launches than closures this year.

Read more →

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 12-16, 2024

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 12-16, 2024

Water conservation measures reimplemented for South Rim

As of August 13, the South Rim has returned to water restrictions. This is in response to a new pipeline break identified between Cottonwood Campground and Manzanita rest area along the North Kaibab Trail. Water conservation measures require all park residents to conserve and reduce water usage whenever possible.

Read more →

Discover Flagstaff — Mother Road Classic Car Show, City Hall Parking Lot on Saturday, Aug. 17

by  •  • Comments Off on Discover Flagstaff — Mother Road Classic Car Show, City Hall Parking Lot on Saturday, Aug. 17

The Mother Road Classic is a show for cars, trucks and (new this year) motorcycles. Located in downtown Flagstaff, it celebrates Route 66, and classic, vintage, and performance vehicles. It is a charity event, raising money for Flagstaff charities. 8 a.m.

Learn More

Read more →

New ranger selected to lead Coconino NF’s Red Rock Ranger District

by  •  • Comments Off on New ranger selected to lead Coconino NF’s Red Rock Ranger District

“I’m so excited to announce that our own Alex Schleuter has been selected as the permanent district ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Aaron Mayville. “Most of you have gotten to know Alex as the deputy district ranger, but he has been acting in the lead ranger role for the past six months and has done a stellar job!”

Read more →

Pipeline Fire closure to lift, allowing motor vehicle access in Schultz Pass area once again

by  •  • Comments Off on Pipeline Fire closure to lift, allowing motor vehicle access in Schultz Pass area once again

FLAGSTAFF — Several roads located in the Schultz Pass area of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District will reopen to motorized vehicles tomorrow following a roughly two-year closure due to the Pipeline Fire.

The temporary trail and road closure order for the Pipeline Fire, which has been in effect since September of 2022, will be lifted at 8 a.m. Friday (Aug. 16).

Gates, barricades and signage posted in the area will be modified and removed to reflect the removal of the closure order.

Read more →

Annual Neighborhood Sustainability Grant application period open through Sept. 30

by  •  • Comments Off on Annual Neighborhood Sustainability Grant application period open through Sept. 30

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are pleased to announce the opening of the annual application period for the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program, running from Aug. 15 to Sept. 30. The program funds projects that enhance sustainability and foster community partnerships.

Grants of up to $7,500 are available for groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with sustainability-related projects located within Flagstaff city limits. The Sustainability Commission particularly seeks community-centered projects focused on building energy, climate action, food, public health, resilience, transportation, and waste. The review committee will consist of the members of the Flagstaff Sustainability Commission.

Read more →

Firing operations near wildfire to begin east of Clints Well

by  •  • Comments Off on Firing operations near wildfire to begin east of Clints Well

CLINTS WELL, Ariz. — Fire managers are preparing to conduct firing operations on several hundred acres of land around the Tango Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire first reported last week and located 8.5 miles northeast of Clints Well.

Fire managers are planning to begin firing operations the morning of Aug. 15 and plan to conclude by the end of Friday in advance of forecasted monsoonal rains.

Smoke will be noticeable to residents of the Happy Jack and Clints Well communities and may also be visible to communities below Mogollon Rim and possibly to motorists along Interstate 17 in the area of Camp Verde.

Read more →

The NAU Review — Sharing all your pun-tastic jokes! Plus, meet the new SAC president + relive NAU Day at the Diamondbacks

by  •  • Comments Off on The NAU Review — Sharing all your pun-tastic jokes! Plus, meet the new SAC president + relive NAU Day at the Diamondbacks

Are bird feeders bad?

It’s complicated. A new study authored by NAU alumnus Andrew Abraham and professor of ecology Chris Doughty found that bird feeders are changing the chemistry of local ecosystems and introducing a potentially harmful amount of phosphorus into the environment. Does this mean putting out bird feeders is always bad? Not necessarily, the researchers say—but it does mean we need a better understanding of how different factors interact to change the

Read more →

Grand Canyon National Park Initiates Water Conservation Measures

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon National Park Initiates Water Conservation Measures

GRAND CANYON, AZ — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will reimplement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a pipeline break along the North Kaibab Trail.

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds. 

Mandatory water conservation measures include:

Read more →

Mechanical thinning to begin along Snowbowl Road

by  •  • Comments Off on Mechanical thinning to begin along Snowbowl Road

“These mechanical thinning operations are part of a larger forest-wide initiative to fulfill our local obligations to the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy,” said District Ranger Matt McGrath. “These efforts are just one small part of a greater overall strategy to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent post-fire flooding in the Flagstaff area.”

Read more →

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 5-9, 2024

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 5-9, 2024

Grand Canyon records second driest, second hottest July on record 

The National Weather Service reports July temperatures at Grand Canyon averaged +3.8° warmer than normal, and the precipitation total for the month was only 0.65 inches – that’s a full inch below normal! The period June 1-July 31, 2024 was the hottest on record for most locations across northern Arizona (including Grand Canyon).

During this period of high fire danger, it is important to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure the safety of ourselves and our community. 

Read more →

Coconino National Forest approves construction of new Sedona-area trails

by  •  • Comments Off on Coconino National Forest approves construction of new Sedona-area trails

SEDONA — Several miles of new trails are slated for construction in five different areas of the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District (RRRD) following public feedback given during a lengthy planning process.

“The first phase of this project includes trails that we think every type of user will appreciate,” said acting District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “Whether hiking, biking, or riding a horse, there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Work is planned to begin later this summer near both Cornville and Sedona, including the Bell Rock, Cornville Oak Creek Elementary School, Doe Mesa, Hardline Trail and Schuerman Mountain areas.

Read more →

Grand Canyon South Rim Reimplements Water Conservation Measures

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon South Rim Reimplements Water Conservation Measures

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will reimplement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a pump failure at Havasupai Gardens.

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds. 

Mandatory water conservation measures include:

Read more →

Pedestrian underpass construction to begin; traffic pattern changing

by  •  • Comments Off on Pedestrian underpass construction to begin; traffic pattern changing

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, have finished the majority of the work associated with Phase 1 of the Beulah/University Realignment Project. With this work complete, Phase 2 of the project is set to begin. Phase 2 starts with construction of the new pedestrian underpass prior to surface improvements along Milton Road. Additional work includes the reconstruction of a section of University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) and Yale Street.

In order to safely install the new pedestrian underpass beneath Milton Road, the existing traffic pattern will shift. This shift will begin on August 19 and last through September 2024. With this shift, the southbound lanes along Milton Road will be detoured to University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) and onto the new Beulah Boulevard extension, utilizing the newly constructed roundabout, to Forest Meadows Street. The new Beulah Boulevard extension and roundabout will also be accessible by University Avenue, as shown in the detailed map below. Please note that northbound traffic will be closed along the new Beulah Boulevard extension, as well as northbound traffic on Yale Street. Northbound traffic on Milton Road, including eastbound access to University Drive, will be maintained during this traffic shift.

Large cranes and trucks will also be present to assist in the installation of the pedestrian underpass. Motorists are asked to follow the marked signage, travel at the posted speed limit, and should expect delays when traveling through the project area. Crews will be working extended shifts to expedite this work. Work may occur Monday through Friday, with occasional work on evenings and weekends. Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists can expect traffic delays, lane closures and detour routes along Milton Road, University Drive and University Avenue until late 2025.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work hard to finish this project. For additional project information, please visit www.beulahuniversityproject.com. To reach a project team member and receive further project information, call the Project Hotline at (928) 255-5153. To receive weekly eNewsletter project updates, email a request to news@beulahuniversityproject.com.

Read more →

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 29-Aug. 2, 2024

by  •  • Comments Off on Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 29-Aug. 2, 2024

North Rim Native American Heritage Days kicks off this weekend

Heritage Days will take place this Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4. Throughout the weekend a variety of programs will be presented by members of Grand Canyon’s Associated Tribes, including music and dance performances, film screenings, discussions about cultural connections to Grand Canyon, and a variety of demonstrations by renowned Indigenous artists.   

Activities will take place daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in and around Grand Canyon Lodge. For more information and the schedule of activities, visit the park’s Heritage Days webpage or see the full event flyer attached here.

Read more →

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona Represented at SEMICON West

by  •  • Comments Off on Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona Represented at SEMICON West

ECoNA with its municipality partners got a chance to promote northern Arizona to hundreds of semiconductor manufacturers and related businesses during the recent SEMICON West expo in San Francisco.

According to SEMI, the international trade organization that organizes the expo, global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment are poised to reach $109 billion this year, a new industry record. ECoNA’s 5-year Strategic Plan identifies advanced manufacturing as one of the five sectors the region should pursue for economic development.

Read more →

Pinyon Plain Mine has begun Hauling Uranium Ore Through Coconino County

by  •  • Comments Off on Pinyon Plain Mine has begun Hauling Uranium Ore Through Coconino County

Coconino County has been notified by the United States Forest Service that the hauling of uranium ore from Pinyon Plain Mine near Grand Canyon National Park to White Mesa Mill in Utah began this morning.

The haul route begins south on SR 64 to Williams, heads east on Interstate 40 through Flagstaff, then north on US 89 to Tuba City, and then northeast on US 160. A map with the route indicated by the red and purple lines is attached. 

Read more →

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Send F3 Your Questions for City Council Candidates!

by  •  • Comments Off on Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Send F3 Your Questions for City Council Candidates!

As we do every two years, F3 is preparing our Flagstaff City Council Candidate Questionnaire. F3’s questionnaire will include up to 10 questions designed to provide insight into the values, knowledge, and opinions of the candidates relevant to their potential positions as future city council members.

Read more →