Future of Marana Regional Airport taking shape

There is a lot going on at Marana Regional Airport. Town staff are constantly working on ways to improve the facility and provide better service to those using the airport, whether they are long time tenants or travelers making a quick stop in Marana. 

Improvements at the airport are funded in a variety of ways, but the most significant improvements occur through grants. Since 2013, the town has collected $9.7 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Arizona Department of Transportation.

At the end of August, the Marana Regional Airport will undergo total reconstruction of the asphalt for several aprons and one of the taxiways. This $6.3 million project will pay a number of dividends for the airport, and the town. 

First and foremost, replacing the surface will make it safer. As the surface gets older, it begins to degrade and can become dangerous to both people and planes. With corporate jets costing as much as $85 million, it is very important to make sure debris does not damage aircraft. 

This project will not only restore the surface, but improve it. Marana Regional Airport was never designed for jets and, save for the runways, the pavement was not meant for the larger aircraft that now land at the facility on a daily basis. The new pavement will be strengthened nearly three-fold over the previous surface, which not only makes it safer, but adds longevity. 

The new surface means less maintenance. Currently, staff must sweep the pavement and remove debris that builds up over time. With less focus on the pavement, staff can turn their attention to other operational needs. 

The reconstruction project will last about six months and, despite some temporary inconveniences to areas of the airport, I really believe the end result will be worth it. 

The FAA will fund the bulk of the project with their grants, paying for over 91 percent of the costs. ADOT and the Town of Marana will each cover about 4.47 percent of the project, with the airport using additional discretionary funds that come from the FAA. Every year, the FAA gives General Aviation Airports such as Marana $150,000, which the airport can bank for up to four years to fund a major project. 

Grant money also helps town staff plan for the future. Back in 2014, the town used grant money to update its Airport Master Plan and create a Strategic Business Plan. The master plan lays out how the Town envisions airport growth and expansion over the next 20 years. The plan not only provides a valuable guide for the future, but having the plan makes the town eligible for FAA and ADOT funding.  

The growth of the airport is predicated on bringing in more businesses and air traffic. These goals are addressed by the Airport Strategic Business Plan. The plan establishes strategies to achieve business goals, further establishes a vision for the facility and creates a focused strategy for development. 

Part of the current strategy is to reach out to corporations and its pilots to market the airport. It is typically pilots, not the passengers, of private jets who choose which airports to utilize. The airport will be more proactive in reaching out to organizations like the National Business Aviation Association and promoting Marana Regional Airport as a viable alternative to Tucson International Airport and other regional options. 

Keeping existing businesses and courting new businesses to Marana is also a key component to the future growth of Marana Regional Airport. The Town Council just approved new and consolidated leases with Pima Aviation Inc. that are going to be beneficial to both the town and businesses. 

The military uses Marana Regional Airport for over 22,000 operations a year. Military and defense are other avenues where the airport could continue to grow.

With over 300 days of sunshine and little in the way of competition, Marana is perfectly suited for new businesses. Marana Regional Airport hopes to bring an additional flight school to Marana, and staff has had many positive discussions. There is a looming airline pilot shortage, and flight schools are a lucrative business in the current climate.

So why should the town invest in the airport? Current estimates have Marana Regional Airport generating between $18 million to $20 million for Marana and the region. In fact, one of the reasons the Ritz-Carlton chose Dove Mountain was the proximity to the airport.

There are a lot of exciting things happening at the airport and many more to come. Much like the Town of Marana itself, Marana Regional Airport has room to grow and expand, and the best is yet to come. 

Steve Miller is the Town of Marana Regional Airport Director.

Traffic Alert: McDuff Road

Construction along McDuff Road between Grier Road and the eastbound I-10 frontage road will begin on Monday, 6/11/2018, and continue for approximately seven weeks. Workers will be removing the degraded pavement along the entire length of the roadway, stabilizing the subgrade, placing new asphalt, and installing new pavement markings. In addition, new curb, sidewalk, and access ramps will be built along the east side of the roadway. Crews will typically be active Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

During the project, through-traffic along McDuff Road will be prohibited. Access for local residents will be maintained at all times. Directional signs and traffic control devices will be set up to detour traffic around the work area. Access for local residents will be maintained at all times.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with all traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs. Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Town, MUSD partner to provide School Resource Officer

Marana PD School Resource Officer (SRO) David Samorano and Marana High School Principal Dr. David Mandel. (Photo Courtesy Marana Unified School District)

On June 5 the Marana Town Council approved to extend a service agreement with the Marana Unified School District to provide a School Resource Officer at Marana High School in support of the District's School Safety Program.

In 2014 the Marana Unified School District, with support from the Town of Marana, applied for and received funding from the Arizona Department of Education to fund a School Resource Officer position at Marana High School. It was the first time the school had one on campus since 2009, and the Marana Police Department School Resource Officer has served at the school continuously since 2014, twice winning awards for School Resource Officer of the Year.

This year Marana Unified School District did not receive a grant award for the School Resource Officer position at the high school, but both parties want to continue to have the position at the school. The agreement between the Town and MUSD will have both parties share the costs of the School Resource Officer’s compensation during the term of the agreement. 

Officer David Samorano will serve as Marana High School’s School Resource Officer this upcoming school year, and believes the presence of an officer on campus creates a safer learning environment.

“Officer presence on the campus provides a quicker response to incidents whether small or extraordinary,” Samorano said.

MUSD will pay 50% of the School Resource Officer’s monthly compensation during each ten-month school year. The position will continue to function in the same capacity, teaching Law Related Education classes and maintaining a presence at the school to provide for a safe school environment. 

“Through a School Resource Officer, relationships are forged and the future leaders of our community are educated,” Samorano said. “With a curriculum focusing on law-related education and safety, we contact students on a level other than an investigative purpose. This allows open communication, understanding and trust between future leaders and the Marana Police Department.”

It is the intent of Marana Unified School District and the Town of Marana to apply for grant funding for the position during the next funding cycle.

Volunteers needed for bat study

 Were your hummingbird feeders mysteriously drained during the night this past summer? Did you know that the midnight raiders were bats? Most of Arizona’s 28 bat species eat insects, but two species drink nectar and eat pollen and fruits from plants such as the saguaro, agave and your hummingbird feeders. The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with cooperation from the Town of Marana will be commencing their 2018 nighttime hummingbird feeder and bat monitoring project and they need your help! 

Photo by Doris Evans

Over the past 10 years, citizen scientists throughout southern Arizona have graciously volunteered numerous hours each summer to monitor their hummingbird feeders for signs of visiting bats. They have provided us with valuable information that allows us to better understand the behavior of the federally endangered lesser long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) and the Mexican long-tongued bats (Choeronycteris mexicana), an Arizona species of concern. The lesser long-nosed bats migrate north from Mexico and arrive in southern Arizona as the saguaros begin to bloom. They continue to travel throughout southern Arizona feeding on the blooms of saguaros and agaves, as well as at your hummingbird feeders. 

If you enjoy watching wildlife and sitting on your porch during summer evenings please consider volunteering your time for this worthy cause. Your efforts will allow wildlife and resource managers in Arizona to better understand the ecology of these species. The goals of this project are to understand when these species arrive in southern Arizona, determine foraging habits and movement patterns, and to document when the migratory species depart Arizona. With your help, we hope to continue receiving valuable information and use it to understand their behavior as well as how to better protect these bats. 

If you are interested in participating in the hummingbird feeder monitoring project this year, please visit the official website sponsored by the Town of Marana, http://www.maranaaz.gov/bats. The website allows participants to sign up as volunteers and to download information about this year’s monitoring protocol. 

 For additional information please contact:
Emily Scobie, Volunteer coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department: escobie@azgfd.gov
Ted Fleming, Media coordinator: tedfleming@dakotacom.net
Janine Spencer, Town of Marana: jspencer@maranaaz.gov
Scott Richardson, U.S Fish and Wildlife: scott_richardson@fws.gov
Joel Diamond, Arizona Game and Fish Department: jdiamond@azgfd.gov 

Press Release: Town names new Public Works Deputy Director

After a competitive process, Fausto Burruel has been selected to fill the position of Public Works Deputy Director. He will assume the position effective June 18, 2018. Previously, Burruel served as the Town of Marana Traffic Engineering Division Manager.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Fausto’s professional skills, knowledge, abilities, and experience join the Public Works Department leadership team," said Public Works Director Mo El-Ali." Fausto’s significant experience in the public works field combined with his outstanding customer service and high emotional IQ will serve the Town well.”

Burruel brings 15 years of traffic engineering, traffic operations, project management, and maintenance management experience.

"I look forward to the new challenge the Public Works Deputy Director position offers and I believe my experience and leadership approach will blend well within the department," Burruel said. "Public Works is a strong group and I’m excited to be part of the team and help the department continue on a successful path. Additionally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how grateful I am to the Engineering Department for the experience, relationships, and support they’ve provided."

Before working at the Town of Marana as the Traffic Engineering Division Manager, Burruel served as the Traffic Section Chief for Pinal County and as the Engineering Project Manager for the City of Casa Grande. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Master of Public Administration, is a registered Professional Engineer in Arizona, and has 10 years of supervisory experience.

Marana Macro Machines: educational and fun

The Town of Marana capped off Public Works Week 2018 with the first Marana Macro Machines event. Upwards of 1,000 people showed up to Marana Heritage River Park to check out all of the vehicles from Public Works, Police, Northwest Fire District, and more:

• Public Works provided vehicles, demonstrations, and a few giveaways. 
  • The Public Works Department had a wide variety of vehicles including a motor grader, a dump truck, a wheel loader, a drum roller, and more.
  • They gave children a hands on demonstration on how they locate and mark pipes, gas lines, and power lines underground. 
  • They handed out free flowers, ice pops, and plastic hard hats. 
• The Marana Police Department provided vehicles, demonstrations, and music.
  • Among the vehicles on hand were patrol cars, motorcycles, and SUV's. Children were allowed to explore the police vehicles, including turning on flashers and talking into the radio. 
  • Pima Regional SWAT had their armored vehicle on hand as well, and children were allowed to climb in that vehicle as well. 
  • The Marana Police Explorers, teens learning about law enforcement, conducted a simulated traffic stop. 
• Traffic Engineering and Traffic Operations provided displays and presentations. 
  • Among the displays were information on traffic signals, traffic control plans, roundabouts, and traffic signs.
  • They handed out stickers made from the same reflective material that is used on stop signs to make them visible at night. 
• The Marana Water Department provided the water purification display vehicle. 
  • The vehicle opens up to show all of the various filtration and purification processes including chlorine disinfection, granular activated carbon, UV/advanced oxidation, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration. 
• Animal Services and the Humane Society showcased some adorable puppies, as well as displays on their services.
• The Marana Regional Airport had a table where they educated people about the facility, and helped organize the helicopter landing from one of their tenants. The helicopter landed on the street in front of the park, and then was opened up to allow children to sit inside. 
• Northwest Fire DIstrict brought out a fire truck, while the NW Fire Local 3572 grilled up hotdogs and hamburgers.
• Thanks to Parks and Recreation for making sure Marana Heritage River Park looked great and showcased their community garden and event spaces.
• Credit also goes to the City of Tucson, the National Weather Service, and Pima Regional SWAT.

Splash into summer fun

Summer is coming and Marana Parks & Rec is inviting you to soak in the summer with us. We have a number of great activities for all interest and skill levels, as well as all ages.

“We are very excited about all the water-based activities we have to offer this summer,” said Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “There is something for every age group, including some very special programs.”

Nothing says summer like cooling off in the water. The Heritage River Park Splash Pad opened on April 7, while the pool at Ora Mae Harn Park opens on May 29.

The Marana Pool has seven swim lanes, a diving bay and ramada-style seating. The pool is 25 yards in length and has depths ranging from 3 to 12 feet. Admission is free.

There is a lot of other fun to have at the pool than just going for a swim (but who doesn’t love that?) The Marana Marlins Swim Team practices there. The Marlins are a youth swim team for swimmers 18 years and younger.

Older competitors fear not, we have events for you. Competitors of all ages can compete in our July Aquathons, which combine swimming and running, in a race for all ages.

Do you think you have what it takes to compete against other swimmers in swimming the distance of the Santa Cruz River in Marana? Then the “Swim the Cruz” Swimmer’s Challenge may be for you.

This is a self-paced swim challenge that you can participate in from any pool you'd like, including your own. Compete against yourself and others throughout the summer months, swimming the distance of the Santa Cruz River in Marana and win incentives along the way.

Marana has created a pair of aquatic programs for children with special needs. The Sensory Splash programs at both the splash pad and the pool were designed to provide a safe, positive and exclusive aquatic and social "meet up" experience. The idea was to create an adaptive aquatic experience through planned activities for the participants to enjoy in a welcoming environment.

The Town is offering swimming lessons at the Marana Pool. The lessons are designed to be comprehensive, yet affordable.

“Our philosophy is that kids should be able to go to their neighborhood pool and learn to swim,” said Conroy. “We think this is affordable for everybody in the community to have their kids learn to swim at their neighborhood pool at Ora Mae Harn Park.”

The idea was that affordable, convenient lesson are not only a benefit to parents and young swimmers, but the community as a whole.

“From a safety standpoint, swim lessons help keep the community safer by having children learn at an early age,” said Conroy. “It is a public safety benefit as we give children those tools to protect themselves around water. “

Our great lifeguards help keep the pool safe, and we are offering younger swimmers a chance to get lifeguard training. This is a great way to get the necessary skills to become a Marana lifeguard in the future.

Junior Lifeguarding program is conducted by the American Red Cross. The program is designed to guide youths ages 11-14 to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. The course focuses on building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills of future lifeguards.

The Splash Pad in North Marana has been open since early April and people have been flocking to the splash pad at Gladden Farms Community Park. This facility features a large variety of fun water features appropriate for all ages. Restrooms, shaded seating and drinking fountains are on site.

Later this summer residents will have a second splash pad option. The new splash pad at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park will open, giving Marana residents another aquatic amenity.

“We think the splash pad will provide recreation for thousands of people to cool off this summer in a fun, enjoyable, safe environment,” Conroy said.

The second splash pad will give residents in Southern Marana, specifically those in Continental Ranch and Continental Reserve, a water feature nearby.

 “That is a heavily populated area and families and kids in that area have not had an aquatic facility nearby which they can enjoy,” Conroy said.  We think the splash pad will provide recreation for thousands of people to cool off this summer in a fun, enjoyable, safe environment.”

Senior water aerobics will return to the pool at Ora Mae Harn Park. The program is offered through the Marana Senior Program, which offers a variety of services and recreation opportunities for active adults ages 50 plus. The program offers both an annual membership for $40, or a four-month membership for $20.

The pool and splash pad will also serve as movie theaters. In June and July our free Dive-in Movies return. On June 16 we will show Despicable Me 3, the latest installment of the misadventures of Gru and his hilarious Minions. On July 21 journey to a galaxy far, far away and join us for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Marana Police Department starting Youth Citizen Police Academy

The Marana Police Department is starting a Youth Citizen Police Academy, a program designed to promote and enhance our teens’ understanding and awareness of the many duties and responsibilities of the Marana Police Department and the law enforcement community.

Cadets of the Youth Citizen Police Academy will have the opportunity to become familiar with the day to day operations of the Marana Police Department, enabling them to gain a better understanding of the policies and laws that guide an officer's decisions and their decisions as citizens. Presentations will be made by sworn police officers or qualified personnel on a multitude of topics, such as the Marana Police Department’s mission, ethics, hiring, laws, crime prevention, community oriented policing, communications, K-9, Crisis Negotiations, SWAT, officer safety techniques and more. In addition to the lectures, cadets will be involved in physical activates each day that will challenge them and help them build skills in areas such as teambuilding, leadership, critical thinking, trust and health and fitness.

Registration is required and is open to any juvenile who meets the following criteria. (A) The juvenile must be between the ages of twelve and sixteen, (B) must not have a pattern of criminal behavior (subject to MPD review), and (C) lives or attends a school in the Town of Marana.

Participation requires a commitment to the full week. Beginning Monday July, 16, 2018 through Friday, July 20, 2018 from 8am to 3pm. Graduation will be held on Saturday, July 21st 2018 from 9am to noon. If accepted, cadets will meet at the Marana Police Station located at 11555 W. Civic Center Drive and must be present 15 minutes prior to start time.

The Marana Police Department will begin accept applications for the Youth Citizen Police Academy starting May 25th until June 20th of 2018. The exact schedule of the of course will be provided to the students a week prior the Youth Citizen Police Academy starts.

The Academy is offered free of charge, but is limited to 20 “Cadets.”

If interested, please contact Officer Danielson of the Community Resource Unit at 520-382-2051 or ddanielson@maranaaz.gov, concerning the application process.

Pavement Preservation Program Update

During the May 1st Marana Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Mo El-Ali and staff presented a status update of the Town’s six-year Pavement Preservation Program. The presentation covered work completed in the last four years, ongoing work in the current year, and work planned for next year.

Five years ago, the Town adopted a 6-year program to preserve and treat all of the roads in Marana. The goal of the program is to maintain, repair or replace every public road in town.

Specifically, the program follows a proactive maintenance philosophy to improve pavement conditions over time, reduce overall maintenance costs and delay the rate of deterioration due to weather, chemicals and wear and tear over time.

Currently, the Town has 520 lane miles (246 centerline miles), which is about the distance between Marana and Malibu, California. The roads are divided into 1507 pavement segments, which El-Ali said are measured based on the segment’s condition and could be “a few hundred feet to a few miles” in length.

“We maintain detailed information on each segment of road,” El-Ali said, explaining that the town keeps data on the length, width, date of construction, treatments applied, and road rating of each segment. This allows the Town to make sure their attention is on the segments of road that need the most attention.

This attention to detail has resulted in an average pavement condition rating of 72, which is considered a good condition rating.

“Marana’s roads are considered to be the best in the region,” El-Ali said.

Between 2014-2017, the Town accepted 40 new lane miles, an increase of nearly 8 percent.

Since 2014, the Town has reconstructed 36 lane miles, but that includes the RTA project on Tangerine Road as well as work on Avra Valley Road.

Between 2014-2017, the Town preserved 142 lane miles, which is 27 percent of the pavement in the Town of Marana. The cost of the project was $5 million dollars. Most of that money came from state Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF), which include gasoline and use-fuel taxes, motor-carrier taxes, vehicle-license taxes, motor vehicle registration fees and other miscellaneous fees. Most of the roads repaired were in subdivisions.

This current fiscal year the Town will be preserving 66 lane miles at a cost of $1.26 million from HURF, which is 13 percent of Marana’s roadway. This year the focus has shifted more to major roads and includes crack sealing and surface treatments.

2018 also saw the Town participate in the first year of the Regional Local Road Repair Program which is funded by a county-wide property tax. Through this $1.1 million program, 100 more lane miles -19 percent of the pavement will be preserved, mostly with crack sealing.

Year two of the program will see the same 100 lane miles treated with similar surface treatments.

Currently, 77 percent of the Town’s roads have a rating between 70-100, which is considered good to excellent. Just three percent of the Town’s roads have a poor rating and they are already scheduled for improvement, including full reconstruction where needed. “Marana’s roads are considered to be the best in the region,” El-Ali restated.

Marana Town Council supports 2018 YMCA Community Military Ball

Marana Town Council made an official proclamation on May 15 giving their support to the 2018 YMCA Community Military Ball, which will be held on November 10.

The ball is one of the biggest formal integrations of community and military that occurs in Arizona.

“I want to thank the Town, the Mayor, the Vice Mayor and all of the Council Members for all your support for the military, our current active serving military members, as well as our veterans and retired,” said the events co-chair retired United States Air Force Major General Ted Maxwell. “This community is incredibly open to [us].”

Marana has been named a Purple Heart City based on support for the military.

“Many staff members along with many families in the Marana community, have served or have family members who have served, or continue to serve, in various branches of the Armed Forces,’ the proclamation reads.

Proceeds from the ball will be “dedicated entirely to enhance, extend, and expand access for military families to local community YMCA facilities, programs and services.”

“This ball will give back to the family members of current military members,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell also explained the importance of the Marana Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, which opened in 2016.

That cemetery has changed more lives for veterans as well as family members to have a place of calm and respite, the ability to spend time with their loved ones who are gone,” said Maxwell. “the idea [of] knowing there is a place that our families will have a place to go in the future.”

The YMCA Community Military Ball will be held at the Tucson Convention Center.

The YMCA’s Community Military Ball recognizes the YMCA’s longstanding tradition of service to military families and is a celebration in honor of veterans, active duty, reserve, fallen, and retired servicemen and women from all military branches. 

Video: Girders placed on Santa Cruz Bridge

Crews were out early on Tuesday to place the girders on the second bridge over the Santa Cruz River in Marana. When completed, the project will provide four lanes of traffic on Ina Road between I-10 and Silverbell Road. 

ADOT highlighted some of the work on their Twitter account. 

The first girder rolls up on Ina Road. It will be lifted into place to be part of the new bridge over the Santa Cruz River. pic.twitter.com/7nkJS1XwxL

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 15, 2018

First step: A crane lifts a huge girder off the truck and moves it into place. First of three. pic.twitter.com/dQnFw6pmE0

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 15, 2018

Moving a girder into place on a new bridge over the Santa Cruz River on Ina Road. 2 of 3. pic.twitter.com/o267yBuDzk

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 15, 2018

Finishing touch: Two men and a crane. 3 of 3 pic.twitter.com/sZFiCnOUG5

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 15, 2018

Moving a girder into place on the new Ina Road bridge over the Santa Cruz River in Marana. pic.twitter.com/6ScIqjJ2eb

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 15, 2018

Marana Macro Machines celebrates Public Works Week

National Public Works Week is May 20-26, and Town of Marana is going to celebrate it in a whole new way. 

On Friday, May 25 at the Marana Heritage River Park, the town is hosting the first Marana Macro Machines event, which will let children of all ages interact with the machines that service the Town’s infrastructure and many projects. 

“The activities will celebrate the contributions of Town employees as well as the community we serve,” said Marana Public Works Director Mo El-Ali. “Our objective is to increase awareness of the duties, practices, and goals of public works employees.”

Although the event catchphrase entices attendees to come “see what makes Pubic Works work,” the event is more than just the Public Works Department. 

“Public works employees include those who manage streets, traffic, water, sewer, public buildings, fleet, and parks,” El-Ali said. “They are the people who maintain and improve the systems and services vital to our community’s health, safety and comfort.”

The event will feature department and divisions from the town, including Streets, traffic, facilities, fleet, pavement preservation, engineering, police, water and parks and recreation, and will be a great opportunity for town employees to interact with the residents of Marana and provide educational entertainment for both children and the young at heart.

“It has been our experience that many in our community do not know exactly what the different departments in our town do.” said Public Works Superintendent Rob Grimaldo. “Most might never consider what it takes to repair a road, provide clean water, install a sign, or build infrastructure.

“We may see town vehicles on the roads, see employees hard at work, but never really thinks ‘what are they doing?’ or ‘how does that work?’” 

Marana Macro Machines is a chance to learn about the machines the town uses every day and meet the people who get to use them. 

“We want people to come out and view the equipment and see all the cool vehicles and tools at our disposal,” said Public Works Executive Assistant Jessica Archuleta, who is planning event logistics. 

Attendees can expect to see a wide variety of vehicles including a sweeper, loader, blade, striping truck, landscape truck and trailer, fire truck, police squad cars and the ARAN Road Analyzer Van.

 In addition to static displays, the Marana Water Department will demonstrate the water purification process, the Marana Police Department will have squad cars demo and the Public Works Department will provide a demonstration on how traffic signals work.

Northwest Firefighters-Local 3572 is partnering with the Town of Marana and will be providing hot dogs and hamburgers.

“We look forward to interacting with the public, explaining the services we provide, and answering questions about what we do and how we do it,” said El-Ali. “This is a great way for our employees to get out and meet the public that they serve and showcase some of the great projects we have completed.”

Marana Heritage River Park is located at 12375 N. Heritage Park Drive. The event will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Mo El-Ali, Jessica Archuleta, and Robert Grimaldo of the Marana Public Works Department contributed to this article.

MPD trying to reunite stolen items with owners

The Marana Police Department is attempting to locate the owners of various items that have been recovered in theft cases. Multiple unsuccessful attempts have been made to contact the owners of the recovered items. Photographs of the recovered items have been uploaded for public review. If you are the owner of any of these items:

• Contact the Marana PD Criminal Investigations Unit (520-382-2000) if you see anything belonging to you.
• Have the photo image number available when you contact detectives.
• You are expected to have something showing proof of ownership.
• This website will be available until June 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

More Ina Interchange Project milestones being met

As the Ina Road Interchange Project continues on, much of the progress is being measured in milestones. Two more milestones are about to be met on the project.

On Friday drivers on I-10 could see the cranes were busy installing the girders on the bridge over the railroad tracks and the new westbound lanes of I-10. Once in place these will connect the existing bridge from the west side of the freeway to the bridge being constructed on the east side of the freeway.

The way the project has been designed, the bridges can be constructed over the freeway without the need to disrupt traffic on the freeway.

Around the middle of May workers will begin installing the girders on the second new bridge over the Santa Cruz River. Once the project is complete, the two bridges will provide four lanes of traffic over the river and make give Ina four lanes on both sides of the freeway up to Silverbell Road.

“The work is continuing on time and on budget,” said ADOT Public Information Officer Tom Herrman.

There has also been a lot of progress being made getting pavement down for the new sections of Ina and the new freeway ramps.

Upon the project’s completion there will be four lanes of interstate highway in each direction and Ina Road will go over I-10 and the Union Pacific Rail Road, making travel in the area faster, but also safer.

The project is due to be completed in early 2019 and is a joint project by ADOT, the Town of Marana, Pima County, Pima Association of Governments, and the RTA.

Learn more on the project website.

UPDATED: State of the Town presentation reviews projects, honors community members

Mayor Ed Honea at the 2018 State of the Town Luncheon

Originally published April 30, 2018

Updated May 4, 2018 to include video.

On Thursday, April 19 the Town of Marana and the Marana Chamber of Commerce once again hosted their State of Town Luncheon and Business Expo. The event was a chance for the Town to celebrate their success, look towards the future, and honor the past.

Mayor Ed Honea was joined in the speech by Economic Development Director Curt Woody, Communications Manager Vic Hathaway, and Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy.

Woody’s portion of the speech focused on the successes Marana is currently having, as well as new projects nearing completion.

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them,” Woody began. “From the humble beginnings of incorporation in 1977, to the robust community of today. Marana’s leadership has undeniably positioned the Town to reap the benefits of those opportunities.”

Economic Development Director Curt Woody

Woody focused on many of the new businesses in the Town, including the Top Golf, the Northwest Medical Emergency Center, and the soon to be open Hampton Inn and Suites.

Additionally, he focused on Marana’s ability to be the “gateway to Southern Arizona” and its place as a tourist hub in the region. He cited the Ritz-Carlton recently being named one of the top resorts in the world, the Town’s own culinary tours, and the Town’s access “to great shopping, great golf, and great trails.”

The Town of Marana continues to lead the way in Pima County for single family home permits, with a number of new neighborhoods and development on the way. Due to this growth Marana is constructing a new police facility, expanding the wastewater facility, are building two new parks and a new splash pad, and recently created their own Animal Services Division.

“We are here during an exciting time in Marana,” Woody said. “Here at the Town we value top quality public service, and our innovative staff work hard every day to make Marana a place where everyone would want to live, work, and play.”

Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy

Conroy focused his portion of the speech on the future of Marana.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself,” Conroy said.

He covered Marana’s plans for a downtown district, infrastructure upgrades to North Marana, and the further evolution of the airport.

More jobs was a major theme of this portion of the speech.

“The future of Marana hinges on bringing in new jobs and new businesses,” Conroy said.

Conroy highlighted the Town’s new economic development strategic plan, which aids the Town in seeking and retaining diverse industries and commerce to Marana. He also highlighted the Town’s reputation for being business supportive.

“New businesses continue to find Marana a great place to set up shop, and we get constant inquiries from new ventures that want to call Marana home,” Conroy said.

Businesses coming to a new municipality look for a diverse workforce, and Conroy highlighted both Marana’s growth, as well as the strong educational opportunities in the Town. Conroy noted that the Town’s population could grow by nearly 25,000 people over the next decade and that means more students needing a quality education.

“We share our community with a great school district, diverse schools and dedicated teachers,” Conroy said.

Marana attracts new residents by making the Town a special place to live, and Conroy said that the Town’s signature events and diverse parks and recreation programs help create a unique, positive quality of life.

Communications Manager Vic Hathaway

Hathaway presented Marana’s Branding Iron and Youth Legacy Awards, which perfectly represent the Town’s past, present, and future.

While the Branding Irons recall the Town’s past, the winners, Dr. Monica Fowler and Northwest Landscaping, showcase what is so special today about the Town.

“Marana’s Branding Irons are awarded every year to one individual and one organization who has made a lasting mark on Marana,” Hathaway said.

View the full story on the Branding Iron Award recipients. 

The Youth Legacy Award honors a younger Marana resident who is doing special things today, but will go on to do great things in the future. Marana High School student Alicia Sanchez was the 2018 winner of the award.

“Recipients benefit others by addressing the hearts, bodies, and minds of their peers,” Hathaway said. “They do this by promoting a healthy and supportive environment, fulfilling essential needs such as food, shelter, and safety, or creating educational opportunities to enrich young minds.”  

View the full story on the Youth Legacy Award recipient.

Mayor Honea closed out the festivities by reiterating Hathaway’s points regarding the great young people in Marana. He also gave a special tribute to the late Councilmember Carol McGorray, and congratulated Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta for his appointment to the position following former Town Manager Gilbert Davidson's departure. 

VIEW THE STATE OF THE TOWN VIDEO

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

President and CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce Ed Stolmaker

Event emcee Jack Neubeck

2018 State of the Town luncheon

Presentation of the colors

Mayor Ed Honea honors new Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta

Branding Iron Award recipient Dr. Monica Fowler

Branding Iron Award recipients Greg Brchan and Chris Fisher on behalf of Northwest Landscaping

Youth Legacy Award recipient Alicia Sanchez

OnesAll Band playing a free show in Marana

On Saturday night at 7 p.m. Tucson based band OnesAll will take the stage at the Crossroads At Silverbell District Park as part of the latest Free Music in Marana Concert.

The funk/rock band from Tucson has built up a nice following and will bring their energetic show to Marana. So what can we expect from the band? We interviewed them to find out.

How would you describe your music to someone who has never seen you play live?
We play a mix of great funk/rock covers and originals. The grooves are thick, the guitars are fast and precise, the vibe is upbeat, and the vocals are rich...besides all that, we just want everyone to have a great time!

What is your show in Marana going to be like?
We want people to connect and find a sense of belonging. We want the music to speak a positive message of harmony--literally and figuratively. We are a family and the people who come to see us are very important to us. There will be songs that rock, songs that groove and soothe, and songs to dance like no one is watching!

What do think about playing in Marana?
We love playing in Marana! A lot of our friends are from Marana and we love hanging out with them. The community vibe in Marana is cool and unique--it is upbeat and welcoming. We always feel at home in Marana.

What do you like about playing all ages shows?
Like we said earlier, we are a family. We thrive on the family atmosphere where everyone is welcome and everyone belongs.

Anything else people should know who are thinking about coming out?
We want the experience with us to be uplifting and rewarding. We truly give our all each and every show. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones in Marana!

MPD participates in Arizona Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Marana Police Department joined their regional public safety partners in the Arizona Law Enforcement Torch Run on Wednesday morning. The mission of the Arizona Law Enforcement Torch Run is to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Arizona statewide.

They assisted in carrying the Torch representing the Flame of Hope and dedicate themselves to helping Special Olympics Arizona throughout the state. Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest fundraising vehicle for Special Olympics across the globe. In Arizona, law enforcement around the state raise over one million dollars per year that goes directly back to creating increased opportunities for Special Olympics Arizona athletes.

MPD personnel carried the torch for over 10 miles from the area of Tangerine Rd/I-10 to the Pinal County line. They passed the torch to their partners at the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The torch will be relayed via various public safety agencies until it reaches Phoenix for the Special Olympics Summer Games opening ceremonies.

Marana News: Marana breaks ground on park to celebrate Arbor Day

The Marana News was on hand last week to cover the Arbor Day/Groundbreaking Ceremony at the new Honea Heights Pocket Park.

The Town of Marana celebrated Arbor Day last week, and used the opportunity to break ground on a new community park.

Gathered in the Honea Heights neighborhood last Friday, April 27 town staff was joined by Mayor Ed Honea and Councilmembers Patti Comerford, Dave Bowen and John Officer to mark the beginning of the neighborhood’s new community pocket park. The celebration also fortified the town’s commitment as a Tree City USA.

The town’s parks and recreation director Jim Conroy lead the ceremony, and told the assembly that the new park would be “a jewel in north Marana.”

“What you’re looking at out here is about 33,000 square feet of park, and I think we’ve really brought a lot of great elements into this property,” he said.

The site will house a basketball court, open green space with trees and other vegetation, a playground structure with shade and a barbecue/ramada area for gatherings. Grating and other work has already been performed to prepare the location, but last week’s ceremony marked a point at which development starts “going vertical,” as Conroy said.

Read the rest of the story in the Marana News.

Marana In The Media: Ina Road Bridge Bats and Boxes

Janine Spencer-Glasson, Environmental Project Manager for the Town of Marana wrote an article in the latest edition of The Vermilion Flycatcher, which is Tucson Audubon’s quarterly member publication.

In her article Spencer-Glasson takes a detailed look at the new “Bat Boxes” that are being installed in the new Ina Road Bridge over the Santa Cruz River. Her article looks at the importance of bats to the environment, and the specifics of the Ina Road Bridge project, including some of the challenges and strategies used to re-house the bats.

The rest of the issue has stories on the Year of the Bird, the Southeast Arizona Bird Calendar, Field Trip options, and more.

Bats Using Ina Road Bridge (an excerpt)

The Ina Road Bridge is one of many bridges in Tucson that provide significant roosts for bats. This bridge is home to about 15,000 thousand bats, mainly Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) and some Cave myotis (Myotis velifer) during the summer. Approximately 5,000 Mexican free-tailed bats remain in the bridge in the winter. A large culvert adjacent to the Ina Road Bridge also provides rooting habitat for bats.

Because Tucson can get very hot during the summer and cold during the winter, it was important to design bat roosting habitat that is well-insulated in order to mimic, as closely as possible, the temperature moderation provided by the thermal mass of the bridge.

A thickened bridge deck was designed with cut-outs so that Modern Bat BoxesTM could be incorporated into the bridge deck mass to moderate temperatures for the bats. Modern Bat Boxes are designed and constructed in New Mexico, from a light-weight concrete material. Each bat box is 4 ft x 4 ft x 4ft, with a crevice varying from ¾ inch to 1 ½ inches in width.

Marana Celebrates Arbor Day, new park

On Friday, April 27 Mayor Ed Honea, Council Members Patti Comerford, David Bowen, John Officer, and other Town officials participated in the Arbor Day/Groundbreaking Ceremony at the new pocket park in the Honea Heights neighborhood.

The event celebrated Arbor Day and continued Marana’s commitment to being named a Tree City USA.

Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy led off the event with an overview of what it means to be a Tree City USA, as well as the importance of the new park.

“This is two really important things, one project and one program,” said Conroy.

Although work on the park had already begun, the project is about to “go vertical” and visible work will be done on the facility. Some of the highlights will include a shaded playground, basketball court, grassy area, and a ramada.

“We think it is going to be a jewel in north Marana,” Conroy said of the 33,000 square foot park.

The dignitaries on hand help plant the first tree on the property in honor of Arbor Day. The Marana Town Council formally recognized April 28 as Arbor Day at their April 17 meeting, and Parks Superintendent read the proclamation at the event, noting the many benefits to trees to the Marana community.

Herman is the Chairman of the local Tree City Board, who is behind the Tree City Designation, and also a member of the Southern Arizona Arborist Group (SAAG).

“One of the requirements of being a Tree City USA is celebrating Arbor Day,” Herman said. “Arbor Day is so important for the community, for the Town, and for the country. Trees bring so much to everybody, it is a beautiful thing to be under a nice shade tree.”

Marana Mayor Ed Honea also spoke at the event. He not only gave his support for Arbor Day, but was thrilled to see the park being built in the neighborhood that was named for his parents, who once owned a farm in the area.

“This is really exciting for me to be here today,” said Honea. “Not just for Arbor Day, but because this neighborhood was named for my parents, who developed this neighborhood, which was the very first actual neighborhood in Marana.”

Honea added that while many of the newer neighborhoods get a lot of attention, older neighborhoods like Honea Heights, Berry Acres, and Adonis are the "nucleus and the catalyst" of the community. 

"I am thrilled to death that we are able to provide this park for this neighborhood here," Honea said. "Giving our children a place to go and have a good time is really, really important. I am really thrilled, and it really touches me to have this beautiful park built here."