Issues Affecting our Community (non-road)

• APS’s plans to build an overhead power line in our area  LATEST NEWS March 2013 - Click HERE for more details.



• Links to Information on Dark Skies and Light Pollution. Light pollution is an issue that more people are becoming aware of with growing concern. Check out the following websites:
  • Desert Foothills Astronomy Club: www.dfacaz.org - serves as an educational resource for the north valley. Promotes the hobby of astronomy, and increase public awareness of light pollution issues.
  • Educational Website: http://www.elightspot.com/your-online-guide-to-light-pollution.aspx to learn more about the adverse effects of excessive artificial light. It has a wealth of information and resources on the different facets of light pollution. “We have to work together to raise awareness for this because I can't even tell you how often I talk to people who don't even know what "light" pollution is! “ ~ Mary Jenkins
  • Article on light pollution: http://www.pegasuslighting.com/all-about-light-pollution.html 
    
    
• Wireless Communication Facilities (such as a cell tower facility usually consisting of an antenna, connection cables, an equipment facility, and support structure) in New River-Desert Hills residential areas. Click HERE for the NR/DHCA position.
  
  
• Arizona state government showing you the money!!  If you’re wondering how the state of Arizona is spending your money, you can now go online and find out - see http://openbooks.az.gov/



• OHV rules off-highway. See the AZ Game and Fish Department Web page designed to inform off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts about the rules at http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/ohvFAQ.shtml



• Fire Bans. Report all wildfires to 911 -  Prevent fires – think before you act. A burning cigarette is a small fire ready to become a larger one – don’t throw it out your vehicle window.  Go to http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php or call the fire restrictions toll-free hotline at 1-877-864-6985 for current information and contact information.



• Save Daisy Mountain - go to http://daisymountain.org/



• Community Action Program Assistance will be at the New River Kiwanis building, 48606 N 17th Ave, once a month to make it easier to apply for these programs. In time or crisis or unusual stress people often need to reach out for immediate help. ANYONE income eligible (you do not have to be a senior) will be able to set up an appointment for assistance with utility discount programs, utility deposits, utility payment assistance, move in rental assistance, eviction prevention, mortgage foreclosure assistance, telephone assistance, emergency food and clothing, and other programs.  Click HERE for flyer. To set up your appointment and for more information, please call 623-979-3911.

MCDOT Contact: Roberta Crowe, Public Information Officer -- Phone: (602) 506-8003. Email: robertacrowe@mail.maricopa.gov

•  Fig Springs Road - NO UPDATES SINCE Feburary 10 - Work continues on the MCDOT is preparing a “scoping” report for the proposed improvements to Fig Springs Road - approximately 0.90 miles from New River Road to 7th Avenue. It is currently an unpaved, non-engineered road constructed partially on public right-of-way. The Project is being designed as a paved Rural Minor Collector, with improve substandard roadway geometry for safety and accessibility. The included drainage improvements will create all weather access. Over the next few weeks, MCDOT will have personnel conducting various surveys and inspections. No timeline has been given for the project.
   
•  New River Road - - NO UPDATES FOR DECEMBER 2012

Road Projects - ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation)

• I-17 General Update:  http://www.azdot.gov/Highways/Valley_Freeways/I17/Black_Canyon_Fwy_North/closures_restrictions.asp 
• For information on Interstate 17 in Maricopa County contact the Valley Community Relations Office at valleyfreeways@azdot.gov or visit www.ValleyFreeways.com.
• For traffic updates across Arizona, visit ADOT's Travel Information Site at www.az511.com or call 5-1-1
• For ADOT questions, contact Timothy Tait, ADOT Community Relations: E-mail: ttait@azdot.gov or Phone: 602.712.7070.
• For general information about I-17 improvements, contact the I-17 project hotline at 480.890.3055 or projectupdate@lewinassociates.com.