Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation Program- Continental Reserve Loop

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 through Saturday, June 30, 2018 on Continental Reserve Loop. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with 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.

START DATE:  6/27/2018                                           END DATE: 6/30/2018
DAILY START TIME: 7:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE

PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Town honored for support of Veterans Cemetery

On June 19, the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation presented the Marana Town Council with a piece of artwork to thank the Town for being community partners with the cemetery in North Marana.

The painting “Home at Dusk,” by artist Robert Taylor depicts a squadron of P-51 Mustangs flying in formation during World War II. It will be placed on permanent display by at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and will boast a commemorative plaque thanking the Town for their contributions.  

“Our foundation deeply appreciates the effort being made here in the Town,” said Sawn Pfund, a board member for the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation.

The Town of Marana has been committed to supporting its community of military veterans, and they do their utmost to honor them. Those efforts have led to Marana being designated a Purple Heart Town. 

“I’d like to thank the Town on behalf of the foundation. that continues to do work with us, to do what is right, what we normally say is the right thing to do for our veterans, both here in Marana and in Pima County,” said Pfund.

Pfund also gave praise to the Marana Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies who help provide traffic support for the foundation’s memorial events at the cemetery. 

The Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Foundation is committed to the continued enhancement and beautification of projects inside the cemetery grounds.

Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 15950 N Luckett Road in North Marana.

Marana News: Marana performing strong through third quarter

Photo of the Marana Regional Airport by Tucson Local Media

Marana News published a story on Marana's third quarter financials on June 13.

As Marana finishes the third quarter of the current fiscal year, revenues continue to exceed expenditures, with few exceptions.

In the airport fund, expenses continue to exceed revenues; although the gap is shrinking. Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta said it’s rare for a general aviation airport, rather than commercial, to generate enough revenue to cover its expenses. Mehta added that the airport is estimated at bringing $18 million annually to the region in the form of jobs, local spending from visitors and money spent on luxury items such as high-end hotels and timeshare jets.

The airport is “generating wealth for the entire region,” Mehta said. “Don’t count it as a debt. Count it as an investment.” 

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.

Shuttles, bag checks, and designated smoking sections: your guide to Star Spangled Spectacular

WHAT IS STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR?

Star Spangled Spectacular is Marana's largest public event with over 15,000 attendees. It is also the largest organized fourth of July event in southern Arizona and features fireworks, live music, kids activities, inflatables (both wet and dry), an Uncle Sam stiltwalker, face painting, food trucks, vendors, and much more located at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. 

WHO WILL BE THERE?

Town of Marana puts on this event in partnership with several community organizations:

• Radio stations KLPX, Rock KFMA, La Caliente, and La Buena will be on-site with radio DJs Larry Mac, Beth Simmons, Dino, and Avery serving as stage emcees.

• Enjoy musical performances by Alien Atmosphere, Little House of Funk, Drew Cooper, Silent Rival, and Steff and the Articles on the Bud Light stage.

• Stop by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange in the Bookman's Kid Zone.

• Grab a refreshing drink from the beer garden. Hensley Beverage Company will be selling a variety of beer options, with proceeds benefiting Marana Heritage Conservancy (all ages can enter the beer garden, but you must be 21 years of age to purchase an alcoholic drink).

• Grab a bite to eat from one of nearly 30 food vendors and visit many of our local business booths.

• Check out historic military vehicles at the ATW Aviation display.

HOW DO I GET TO THE EVENT? 

The parking lot at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park is limited to handicap parking and event staff and vendor parking. For the general public, the Town of Marana is now offering shuttle services from the following locations: 

• Coyote Trail Elementary School - 8000 N Silverbell Rd, Marana, AZ 85743

• Continental Ranch Community Center - 8881 N Coachline Blvd, Marana, AZ 85743

• Safeway / Twin Peaks Elementary - 7995 W Twin Peaks Rd, Marana, AZ 85743

Shuttles are free and begin at 4 pm, with six shuttles and two HandiCars rotating through the three stops. Last call after the event is at 10:45 pm. Eleven shuttles and two HandiCars will be waiting in the event parking lot to take people back to their cars. 

Parking is also available throughout Arizona Pavilions shopping center, however shuttle stops will not be in the area. 

WHAT CAN I BRING? 

Attendees can bring outside food, drinks, and coolers into the event. Blankets and chairs are also permitted. Please remember to bring lots of water, as the weather is typically very hot during this time of year. 

Outside alcoholic drinks, glass containers and grills are not permitted in the park.

Please note that all bags and containers will be checked prior to entering the park. This includes at the park and at the shuttle stops.  

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

The Town highly discourages bringing animals into the park due to the large number of people and the noise. While 4th of July can be a very joyous time of the year it can sometimes cause stress on our canine and feline friends. Please make sure to safely secure your dogs and cats inside your home. Marana Animal Services suggests using noise simulation (radio, tv) in a cozy and small area of the home.

IS THIS A SMOKE-FREE EVENT? 

According to Town Code Title 13-1-3, smoking within 25 feet of any athletic field, athletic facility or children’s play area is PROHIBITED. This includes to inhale, exhale, burn, carry or possess any lighted tobacco product, including cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco and any other lighted tobacco product.

For Star Spangled Spectacular, the Town has created three designated smoking areas throughout the park; the field with the volleyball courts, the tennis court, and in-between the baseball fields (see map below). Smoking outside of the designated smoking areas is prohibited and in violation of Title 13-1-3. 

WHEN DO FIREWORKS START?

Promptly at 9pm! After an evening of music, food and fun, sit back and enjoy a dazzling firework show over the Santa Cruz River. 

WHERE IS EVERYTHING? 

Everything inside the event (as well as the shuttle stops!) can be found on our map! Check it often by visiting this info page, or visit the official Star Spangled Spectacular webpage or MaranaEvents.com. 

Overview to be used for Partners, Vendors, Talent, etc.

For more details, visit the official Star Spangled Spectacular event webpage. 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Press Release: Town of Marana increases shuttles to accommodate Star Spangled Spectacular attendance

MARANA — Those wishing to attend Marana Star Spangled Spectacular located at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park can now travel there with ease by taking the shuttle from three designated stops throughout Continental Ranch.

Starting at 4pm on Wednesday, July 4 event attendees can board one of six shuttles from the following locations:

• Coyote Trail Elementary School - 8000 N Silverbell Rd
• Continental Ranch Community Center - 8881 N Coachline Blvd
• Safeway / Twin Peaks Elementary School - 7995 W Twin Peaks Rd

In addition to the six shuttles, two Handi Cars will be in rotation to accommodate attendees with special needs. Handicap parking is also available at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park parking lot.

At the end of the evening, eleven shuttles and two Handi Cars will be on-site at Star Spangled Spectacular to take attendees back to their cars.

Star Spangled Spectacular in Marana is the largest organized fourth of July event in southern Arizona with over 15,000 people celebrating Independence Day in Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. This year, the event will feature live musical acts Alien Atmosphere, Little House of Funk, Drew Cooper, Silent Rival and Steff and the Articles.

Emcees are Beth Simmons and Larry Mac from 96.1 KLPX and Dino and Avery from 102.1 KFMA in partnership with Arizona Lotus Corp.

Over twenty food trucks and nearly thirty vendors will be on-site. Beer options provided by Hensley Beverage Company will be available for purchase in the beer garden located at the center of the park. All alcoholic purchases will benefit the Marana Heritage Conservancy.

Event begins at 5 PM, with fireworks at 9 PM.

For more event information, visit www.MaranaEvents.com

A map of the event and the designated spots can be found here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=14S9mYt4-20f63JK479qorvJY-vtlAFBH&hl=en_US&ll=32.360277290589444%2C-111.1144969&z=13

Arizona Daily Star: "Independents, go ahead and vote in the primary"

Election season has arrived. Deputy Town Clerk Hilary Hiser wrote an op-ed for Arizona Daily Star on the impact of independent voters in the elections. 

"With the election season upon us, I keep reminding candidates not to forget about independent voters. I encourage local candidates to stress the importance of participation during the Aug. 28 primary election when they speak with the public. “Why?” is the most common response I receive. The short answer is that independents don’t historically vote during primary elections, despite being eligible to since 1998. But the implications for this lack of participation are perhaps even more significant.

"Registered independents make up roughly one-third of the nearly 524,300 registered voters in Pima County. National trends indicate the share of independent voter registration is the highest it has been in over 50 years. In 2016, the Pew Research Center reported that independent voters were the highest registered voting group in the nation. A 2016 Gallup poll indicated that independents outnumber major political party registrations two to one.

"Despite such a large voting bloc, independent voters tend to have lower overall participation in all types of elections."

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.

Traffic Update: Pavement Preservation - Sandario

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Thursday, June 7, 2018 and Friday, June 8, 2018 on Sandario Road north to Marana Road. This work will occur during nighttime hours beginning at 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with 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.

START DATE:  6/7/2018                                           END DATE: 6/8/2018
DAILY START TIME: 20:00:00                                 DAILY STOP TIME:  5:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE

PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

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 

Traffic Update: Pavement Preservation - Cochie Canyon and StonePipe Way

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Wednesday, June 6 through Friday, June 8, 2018 on Cochie Canyon Trail and Stonepipe Way. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with 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.

START DATE:  6/6/2018                                           END DATE: 6/8/2018
DAILY START TIME: 7:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Local stakeholders form "Marana Momentum Alliance" to better serve the community

MARANA - Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Marana Schools 2340 Foundation, MHC Healthcare, and Town of Marana have combined resources to better serve the community as the "Marana Momentum Alliance."

The alliance's mission is to empower everyone to maximize their opportunities and manage their futures by providing resources for career and education, health and wellness, and veteran and senior services.

The Marana Momentum Alliance brings together the unique strengths and talents of each partner organization to increase the beneficial power of their efforts through a series of one-stop shop events. The first event is scheduled for September 22 and will focus on career and eduction resources. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona currently serves as the lead organization for the event with support from its partners. 

“The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is thrilled to be a part of this important alliance through the Marana Resource Center," said Marana Resource Center Executive Director Linda Hampton. "We believe that lasting solutions to poverty will not be found in just a bag of food.  Working alongside our partners, we can grow the impact of our efforts and do more to assist those in our community who need us the most.”

The role of lead organization for each event will rotate through the alliance. MHC Healthcare will serve as lead for the Health and Wellness event scheduled for Spring 2019. 

“MHC Healthcare is excited and honored to be a partner of the Marana Momentum Alliance," said MHC Healthcare CEO Dr. Clint Kuntz. "We look forward to working with Marana Unified School District, Town of Marana and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to bring worthwhile events that will provide timely, helpful resources. We are here for you and plan to help attendees fill their “Life Tool Box” with useful materials focused on improving your health and overall well-being.” 

The third event will be in the fall of 2019 and will focus on senior and veteran services. Event logistics will be led by the Town of Marana. 

"At the Town of Marana, we hear almost daily from residents in need," said Town of Marana Community and Neighborhood Services Director Lisa Shafer.  "It is so important that we work with other agencies to provide the support and services these residents need to build a successful future.  By forming the Marana Momentum Alliance, I think we are on our way to providing something pretty incredible for the greater Marana area."

Marana Schools' 2340 Foundation and Marana Unified School District also play a large role in the alliance, acknowledging the importance of providing resources to the younger generation and their families.

"The Marana Unified School District and the Marana Schools’ 2340 Foundation observe the challenges many of our students and their families must overcome every day. The Marana Momentum Alliance brings together resources to provide a helping hand to those with critical needs or a pathway to succeed." said Marana Unified School District Superintendent Doug Wilson.  

The Marana Momentum Alliance is now accepting vendors for upcoming events. Donations, volunteers, and sponsorships are also being solicited. Those who are interested in participating can learn more here.

Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation - Civic Center Drive

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the roundabout on Civic Center Drive, which will be closed in all directions. The work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., with the possibility of the roundabout reopening sooner. 

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with 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.

START DATE:  6/2/2018                                           END DATE:  6/2/2018
DAILY START TIME: 8:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Traffic Alert: Orange Grove Pump Station

The Town of Marana will be preforming an annual mechanical service on the Orange Grove Pump Station. This work will occur during nighttime hours beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 7th until Friday, June 8th at 5:00 a.m. 

This is a single lane closure on eastbound Orange Grove Road near Interstate 10 interchange.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with 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.

Marana Town Talk Episode 1: Summertime Adventures, Budgets, and Bats

Town of Marana debuts the first episode of "Marana Town Talk", a new government podcast that balances education and entertainment with thoughtful commentary on local current events. 

Communications Manager Vic Hathaway and Communications Specialist Brad Allis kick off the series with an analysis of the Marana State of the Town Address (1:04) followed by a discussion of exciting adventures you can have in Marana this summer (9:46). In anticipation of the new fiscal year beginning July 1, listeners can then learn more about the budget process and where your tax dollars are going with Deputy Town Manager Erik Montague and Budget Analyst Michael Dyckman (22:45). Finally, as we move into the hot summer months, learn about the Town's bat studies with Environmental Project Manager Janine Spencer-Glasson (32:15). 

AUDIO ONLY

AUDIO AND VISUAL

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

State of the Town recap

Parks and Recreation programs

Marana Events

Budget

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.

Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation - Grier Road

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue on Friday, June 1, 2018 through Saturday, June 2, 2018 on Grier Road from Interstate 10 to Clyde Road. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with 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.

START DATE:  6/01/2018                                           END DATE: 6/2/2018
DAILY START TIME: 7:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.
 

Traffic Alert: Pavement Preservation - Downtown Marana

The Town of Marana pavement preservation will continue Thursday, May 31, 2018 through Friday, June 1, 2018 on Civic Center Drive, Bill Gaudette Drive, Marana Main Street and Fire Access Road. This work will occur during daytime hours beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Expect moving lane closures and lane shifts.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with 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

START DATE:  5/31/2018                                           END DATE: 6/1/2018
DAILY START TIME: 7:00:00                                  DAILY STOP TIME:  17:00:00
SEVERITY: MODERATE
PROJECT CONTACT: For questions related to this specific project, please contact Town of Marana Public Works Office at (520) 382-2536.

Travel Impact:  Light delays

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.