It happened quietly and without a lengthy debate, but the Arizona Corporation Commission’s vote on Sept. 23 to approve a seemingly minor docket item on energy efficiency marked a historic moment, and the commissioners who approved it should be applauded for taking the first steps toward rectifying a long overdue injustice. The amendment, approved 3-to-2, requires APS to develop a Tribal Energy Efficiency Program, supported annually with $457,000 in funding, that will help implement … [Read more...] about Historic ACC Vote recognizes Utility Obligation to Assist Tribes with “Just and Equitable Transition” when Closing Coal Plant
Local News
Arizona Awarded $1.5 Million To Expand Adoption Efforts
Governor Doug Ducey today announced Arizona received a $1.49 million Adoption and Legal Guardianship Incentive Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help more Arizona kids find safe, loving homes. Funding through the Adoption and Legal Guardianship Incentive Payments program is awarded based on the number of children and youth in foster care that are connected to permanent homes through adoption and legal guardianship, with states receiving more funding as more children … [Read more...] about Arizona Awarded $1.5 Million To Expand Adoption Efforts
Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Arizona’s economy posted strong gains in August, adding nearly 80,000 jobs over the month. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.9%, down from 10.7% in July and lower than the U.S. overall rate of 8.4%. During August, the private sector in Arizona recorded a gain of 30,400 jobs, which is 12,200 more jobs than the ten year average for the month. Gains were posted across ten private sectors, with ‘education and health services’ and ‘trade, transportation and utilities’ at the top. “This … [Read more...] about Arizona Adds Nearly 80,000 Jobs In August, Unemployment Drops To 5.9%
Governor Ducey Urges Arizonans To Complete 2020 Census
With counting slated to end on September 30, Governor Doug Ducey, joined by members of the U.S. Census Bureau and local leaders, today urged all Arizonas who have not completed their census to do so immediately. Governor Ducey launched the AZ Census 2020 campaign in January with a focus on reaching traditionally undercounted communities through community-based initiatives, a paid media effort and educational outreach. Counting began in March. Today, Governor Ducey and members of the Arizona … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Urges Arizonans To Complete 2020 Census
Chamber Business News: CARES Act And Arizona Come Together For Schools In Pandemic
Federal lifelines from the federal CARES Act are not only aiding small businesses and individuals in Arizona to survive the pandemic, they are helping schools navigate new challenges, as well. In total, Arizona will collect $1.8 billion from the CARES Act. Of that, education is receiving an estimated $626 million. That relief has been “critical” for keeping students educated and safe as schools statewide cope with the financial realities of COVID-19, said Arizona Superintendent of Public … [Read more...] about Chamber Business News: CARES Act And Arizona Come Together For Schools In Pandemic
McSally, O’Halleran Introduce Bill to Improve Sunset Crater Volcano Monument
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Congressman Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01) on Monday introduced bipartisan legislation to modify the boundary of the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument near Flagstaff to improve management of its buildings. “Sunset Crater is a geological gem that attracts more than 200,000 tourists, hikers, and researchers to Northern Arizona each year,” McSally said. “My bill will improve the visitor experience by streamlining management of Monument facilities and … [Read more...] about McSally, O’Halleran Introduce Bill to Improve Sunset Crater Volcano Monument
City enters Phase 3 of COVID reopening
The city of Flagstaff entered Phase 3 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan. The move to Phase 3 was predicated on the number of new cases, hospitalizations and COVID related deaths continuing on a downward trajectory for four or more weeks, the demonstrated ability to follow CDC guidelines, ability to care for the seriously ill and providing testing, monitoring and contact tracing. Under Phase 3, the city will begin a limited reopening of city facilities and amenities. Face coverings are required in … [Read more...] about City enters Phase 3 of COVID reopening
Air Bridge Program Delivers Thousands of Pounds of Relief from COVID-19 to Navajo and Hopi Communities
The Navajo and Hopi Air Bridge Program successfully concluded its 7-week program in late August with delivery of 48,193 pounds of direct relief via 24 flights to remote Navajo and Hopi communities. The Air Bridge Program was an unprecedented humanitarian partnership between Air Serv International, ISTAT Foundation, Westwind Air Services, and the Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Navajo and Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund is an initiative of Yee Ha’oolníidoo (translates … [Read more...] about Air Bridge Program Delivers Thousands of Pounds of Relief from COVID-19 to Navajo and Hopi Communities
CCC Begins Process for Student Housing in Page
In an effort to meet a growing need, Coconino Community College has begun the process to develop student and workforce housing at the college’s center in Page. The CCC District Governing Board, during a meeting on Monday, Aug. 31, unanimously voted to request proposals for a public-private partnership for development of student housing at the Page center. Patricia Garcia, Governing Board Chair, said, “The District Governing Board is committed to serving our communities throughout Coconino … [Read more...] about CCC Begins Process for Student Housing in Page
Environmental Stewardship Planning Grant Awarded to Civic Service Institute at NAU
The Civic Service Institute (CSI) at NAU, which has coordinated National Service programs such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps for over 30 years, recently received additional funds to explore new service opportunities in Coconino County. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family awarded CSI $48,000 for a planning grant launching on September 1st, 2020. This grant is designed to build a network of partner organizations and … [Read more...] about Environmental Stewardship Planning Grant Awarded to Civic Service Institute at NAU