Solar project to generate enough power for 3,000 homes

On Tuesday, January 22, Trico Electric Cooperative formally introduced the Avion Community Solar Project at a dedication ceremony.

Avion is a 10-megawatt alternating current photovoltaic solar generating facility located on West Avra Valley Road within the Town of Marana. Trico and Torch Clean Energy are partners on the project, which began construction in August 2018 and began producing power in December.

Avion Solar has 40,716 solar photovoltaic modules and sits on approximately 80 acres of land previously used for farming and owned by Avra Plantation, Inc. Avion will produce more than 30,000 megawatt-hours of electric energy each year, or enough to power over 3,000 average residential homes in the Trico service territory.

Avion is the first community scale solar project for Trico. They also have SunWatts Community Sun Farm, a 227 kW, ground-mounted solar power system at its facility located at their office on Tangerine Road.

In 2005, less than 1 percent of the energy produced was from solar. Today, it is just under 14 percent with another 5 percent provided by hydro power.

“It is safe, reliable, environmentally responsible clean power,” said Trico Board Member Nick Buckelew.

“Changes in technology and the market have contributed to making renewable energy more cost-effective,“ CEO Vincent Nitido explained. “This, along with increased interest among our embers, has Trico and co-ops across the country finding new ways to bring the benefits of solar to our service areas.”

Marana Mayor Ed Honea was one of many Marana Town officials and staff at the event. Honea’s father was on the Trico board alongside Buckelew’s father, and he believes they could not have envisioned the evolution of Trico.

“They would be amazed that you could put solar panels out here and servicing over 3,000 homes,” Honea said.

Mayor Honea noted that the projects fits in well with the other solar projects in Marana. The Town of Marana has put solar panels in two of the parks and is in the midst of building solar parking structures at the Marana Municipal Complex. MHC and Marana Unified School District also have large solar presences in the community.

“I think it is really great that we are able to generate power that is renewable,” Honea added.

Marana In The Media: Marana film initiative expands with Modern Studios opening

The Marana News published a story on the opening of Modern Studios and how that fits into the goals of the Marana Film office.

The Marana Film Office started in 2017 to provide information and location scouting to film producers, and of course to market Marana as a filming location. This local film initiative formed in response to Arizona’s Office of Film and Digital Media, launched in an effort to bring filming back to Arizona. Levin and Davey say Modern Studios is the next step in bringing that Marana film initiative to fruition. 

“A lot of local talent is interested in having this as their home base, instead of having to fly out to LA for production,” Levin said. “Content is king right now, and therefore so is having a place that can create it and produce it.” 

While Marana is receiving a fair bit of attention of-late, town manager Jamsheed Mehta said the region has played a major role in the film industry for years due to its ideal locales and open spaces. 

“We’re trying to capture as much attention as we can,” Mehta said. “In terms of what the film industry does for the community—it puts us on the map.”

Red the full story at the Marana News.

Manager's Message: Help us prepare for Marana’s future

This originally appeared as a Manager’s Message in the Marana News/Explorer News.

Happy new year! While it may seem like 2019 has only just begun, the Town of Marana is busy preparing for year 2020 and beyond. This means taking a closer look at all our town services and programs, identifying new areas for strategic growth, and continuing to prepare our community for 20 years into the future.  

This January we completed our third planning workshop for the Make Marana 2040 General Plan Update. Through this public process community members were invited to take part in strategizing sessions that will help to set the vision for the next several decades. Those who were unable to attend the workshops shouldn’t worry; the survey is now open for the general public on our website at MakeMarana2040.com. How can Marana preserve and enhance its existing qualities while reaching its fullest potential as a community? That’s one of many questions to be explored as part of the process of updating Marana’s General Plan.

This year, Marana’s population reached 47,000 people. The town is experiencing an economic resurgence, and projects previously explored prior to the recession are slowly being revived. To anticipate this continued growth, Marana has to evaluate our most fundamental services, including water delivery, sewer collection, transportation systems, and parks and recreation amenities.

This is the year for strategic planning. Town Council has already approved the Downtown Overlay District, and this year they will review the Land Development Code, the Sewer Conveyance Plan, the North Marana Drainage Study, the Potable Water Plan, the General Plan Update and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Collectively, these documents will help pave the way for how the Town prepares for the future, and will reflect the community’s essential needs.

Those interested in participating in this civic process are encouraged to do so by following the Town of Marana on Facebook and Twitter to learn of upcoming events and meetings. You can also subscribe to the Marana Newsroom and other various Town alerts by visiting www.MaranaAZ.gov/notify.

This will be a very busy year, but once these plans are established, the Town of Marana will be prepared even more growth as we look to a promising future.

Jamsheed Mehta is the Marana Town Manager

Marana In The Media: an active and healthy 2019

The Marana News/Explorer News recently ran an article on the great offerings from Marana and Oro Valley’s Parks and Recreation Departments.

The Town of Marana’s Parks and Recreation Department is offering a wholesome bounty of outdoor programs sure to suit everyone in the family, including Tots & Me Story Art Classes that run every Thursday through April 25 at the Marana Community Center (13250 N. Lon Adams Road). There’s also the Nature to You - Garden Education Series, teaching Marana’s youngest residents the different varieties of bugs and gardening tips that can serve them well down the road, on Feb. 9 and March 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Marana Heritage River Park (12375 N. Heritage Park Drive).

Marana Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Cory Larriva said the town’s programming this spring offers something for everyone, with an eye on making sure residents get outside.

“A lot of the new programing this year has been kind of targeted for these gap areas that we weren’t really providing services or programs for in the past,” Larriva said. “So, we’ve done a really good job of expanding into those age groups, or those family types that maybe didn’t have services before from Marana Parks and Rec.”

Other department offerings this spring include Marana Police Kids Academy, held at the Marana Police Department (11555 W. Civic Center Drive) on Thursday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, April 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. The town is also offering a variety of teen-oriented programs this spring, including the Marana Police Teen Academy, which runs during the Marana Unified School District spring break, March 18 to 22.

Adults have a variety of options this spring, too, including Paint Nights in the Park, held at Marana Heritage River Park on Jan. 31, Feb. 28, March 28 and April 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy said another key aspect of fitness in Marana revolves around the trails that link various sections of the sprawling town. A few of the trails Conroy highlighted included the walking paths built along Gladden Farms, Dove Mountain and along various parts of south Marana.

“We’re really trying to make it as much as we can a walkable community,” Conroy said. “We’re actively trying to connect our trail system as much as possible. We’re continuing to do that all the time.”

There are plenty of opportunities to stay active in town, including the Cape Chase Fun Run (March 9), the Marana Mother’s Day 5K & Fun Run (May 11) and the Marana Meltdown: Mountain Bike Time Trial (May 4).

Conroy said the town’s plethora of outdoor-related programs speaks to the department’s emphasis on health, and on giving residents the best amenities possible to accomplish their wellness goals.

“Recreation is one of the major initiatives to the Town of Marana,” Conroy said. “Under that area is also keeping a healthy community.”

Read the full story at Tucson Local Media

Marana In The Media: Marana HS students learn consequences of substance abuse

KOLD posted a story about an interesting event that the Marana Police Department participated in at a local high school. 

In collaboration with the Marana Prevention Alliance, the Marana Police Department and the Pima County Sheriffs Office took part in a “Teen Maze” event at Marana High School to highlight the potential legal, health, and social dangers that are associated with substance abuse.

More than a half dozen law enforcement vehicles were lined up outside the school Tuesday, as officers and deputies volunteered their time to give students an inside look at the consequences of their actions involving substance abuse. Held at high schools across the area, it is a 30-minute interactive event where students go step-by-step.

“So it starts off with they are all at a party,” said Officer David Danielson, Community Resource Officer with Marana PD. “Based on their choices it leads down a different path. So they pretty much follow their consequences and see where it goes from there.”

Scenarios include leaving the party intoxicated and then getting pulled over, or being involved in a serious injury accident.

Read the full story on the KOLD website.

Traffic Update: Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction

Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction – from Twin Peaks Road south to Silverbell Road and from Twin Peaks Road north to Silverbell Road

The Town of Marana and their contractor, Sunland Asphalt Construction Inc., have begun work to replace curb, sidewalks, and repair drainage issues at the intersection of Silverbell Road and Coachline Boulevard/Continental Reserve Loop. Work is expected to be completed by mid-February 2019.

Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclist traveling through the area should plan for the following:

• Travel will be reduced to one-lane in each direction. This traffic control will remain in place through mid-February 2019.

• All turn movements will be permitted, however dedicated turn lanes may be restricted.

• Portions of sidewalks will be closed during removal, replacement and while the concrete cures.

• All business access will be maintained.

In preparation of the upcoming paving operation scheduled for late February, the contractor will begin milling (removing) the asphalt along Coachline Boulevard from Twin Peaks Road south to Silverbell Road.

• There will be temporary side street closures as equipment moves through the work area.

• All business access will be maintained.

• The milling operation is scheduled to begin in mid-February 2019.

Traffic Update: Overnight lane closures set for I-10 near Ina Road

Also: Overnight work scheduled on Ina Road near I-10 Jan 30 and Feb. 1

Motorists who use Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect lane closures for barrier work the night of Wednesday, Jan. 30.

I-10 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction between Cortaro and Ina roads from 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, to 2 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31.

Ina Road is also scheduled to close overnight between Camino de Oeste and Camino de las Capas for paving work the same night. Paving is scheduled between 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 and 5 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31. Drivers can use Camino de las Capas as an alternate route during the closure.

And, a new traffic shift is scheduled for Ina Road early on Friday, Feb. 1. Ina Road is scheduled to open in a new lane configuration between Camino de Oeste and Camino de las Capas starting at 3 a.m.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email�Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at�www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Town of Marana seeking Letters of Interest for radio partnership

Download the PDF.

The Town of Marana is requesting Letters of Interest from radio broadcasting companies seeking to be the exclusive radio media partner for the Town’s Star Spangled Spectacular event.

The Town of Marana intends to select one radio media partner that;

• Provides coverage promoting the event in the months leading up to the event date

• Reaches an audience that reflects the Marana community, as well as reflects the appropriate tone and scope of the event

• Expands the Town’s reach into new audiences that will enhance/grow event attendance

Any additional services provided by the radio media partner that corresponds with the Town’s intent to grow awareness and attendance at the event will also be considered, including;

• Live event coverage and on-site presence

• Emcee services

• Sponsor an attraction within the event with the ability to sell additional sponsorships to Town-approved entities

• Recruiting of musical talent for the Star Spangled Spectacular

The Letter of Interest should include;

• Name of applicant

• Name of a contact person including email and phone number

• Brief description of organization and its qualification. Please include target audiences and reach.

• Description of services to be provided

• Interviews may be required at the Towns discretion

All questions related to this LOI process or procedure must be submitted in an email to Vic Hathaway, Communications Manager, at vhathaway@maranaAZ.gov.  Send all questions by February 8, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Arizona time. Answers to questions will be distributed to all interested parties.

Letter of Interest packages will be due February 15 by 3:00 p.m. and emailed to Vic Hathaway at vhathaway@maranaAZ.gov or delivered and titled;

LETTER OF INTEREST FOR TOWN OF MARANA RADIO MEDIA PARTNERSHIP to;

Town of Marana
11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Marana, AZ. 85653
Attn: Vic Hathaway, Communications Manager

Make Marana 2040: Third round of workshops complete, survey now open

Thank you to all who were able to attend and participate at Workshop #3. Your input is very much appreciated and necessary to make the Marana 2040 General Plan your own. Below is a summary of the input we received at Workshop #3. If you were unable to attend, there is still time for you to participate. Click the button to take a brief survey and provide your input.

Workshop Overview

Download the workshop overview pdf.

The third and final set of community workshops for the Make Marana 2040 General Plan were held on January 23 and 24, 2019 at 6:00 PM.  The January 23rd workshop was held at the Marana Municipal Complex and the workshop on the 24th was held at the Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library. The objectives for this set of workshops were to:

• Provide an update on the General Plan process;

• Present the Workshop #2 results; and

• Receive input on policy alternatives.

What Happened?

A total of 26 people attended the two workshops. Upon arriving, each attendee was asked to identify on a map, generally, where they live or work in Marana. This was done to see what areas of the town were represented in the workshop results. Attendees at the January 23rd workshop were primarily from the communities surrounding Downtown Marana. Attendees at the January 24th workshop were more wide spread throughout Marana, with the majority of residing in communities along Silverbell Road, such as Continental Ranch.

The workshop began with a short presentation informing attendees of the status of the General Plan Update, as well as the results from the Transportation Planning Exercise and Scenario Planning Exercise conducted during Workshop #2. Attendees then worked individually on a Policy Alternatives Exercise. This exercise involved a worksheet listing a series of alternative policies covering 7 General Plan topics:

• Economic Development

• Land Use

• Environmental

• Arts and Culture

• Housing

• Downtown

• Transportation

Participants reviewed each policy and marked “Yes” if they like the policy, “No” if they do not like the policy, or “Revise” if they want to edit the policy. Participants also had the opportunity to recommend a policy not listed on the worksheet. The results of this exercise are detailed on the following pages.

Town of Marana partners with Service Line Warranties of America

The Town of Marana partnered with Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) on September 25, 2018 to offer protection for homeowners for the WSL/SSL protection program. The coverage is voluntary.

Founded in 2003, SLWA has partnered with over 400 leading cities and municipalities in the US to provide repair service plans that offer peace of mind and convenience.

Frequently asked Questions:

Is this really a letter from the Town of Marana?

The Town of Marana worked with Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) to make you aware of their services.

Why am I receiving this letter? 

The National League of Cities recognized homeowner water/sewer line warranty services as something many homeowners have expressed interest in. Homeowners who wish to learn more about this program or want to enroll are encouraged to contact SLWA directly at the number provided in the letter. Homeowners who are not interested in these services can disregard the letter entirely. If you choose to enroll in this program, please do so with the understanding that the Town of Marana in no way warrants or is liable for the work or performance of SLWA. The Town of Marana is only making you aware of the availability of their service.

Why is the Town of Marana working with SLWA?

This program was brought to the Town through an Enterprise Program of the National League of Cities administered by SLWA. They were selected because of their high customer service and quality ratings.  

What is in this Program for the Town?

This program provides several benefits to the Town. First, it educates residents of their service line responsibility. Secondly, SLWA only uses qualified local contractors so repair dollars stay within the community. Third, the Town can be assured that all repairs are performed to code and that all appropriate permitting is pulled.

 Is the Town receiving any compensation for SLWA?

SLWA does offer the Town compensation for allowing the use of the Town seal on the letter. The support of the Town alerts residents of the legitimacy of the program resulting in more enrollments, which in turn allows SLWA to offer a lower price to the Town’s residents due to increased participation. No minimum participation is required.

Click here for more Frequently Asked Questions.

Marana named a top-30 destination to avoid winter

The Town of Marana was named one of the 30 Places to Make You Forget About Winter by the Forbes Travel Guide. The Town was selected as an ideal destination for those "dreaming of running away to a place where we don sunglasses and flip-flops instead of marshmallow-like down coats and snow boots. "

Marana made the list along with such exotic locales as St. Kitts, Cancun, and Bali. Tucson also made the list. 

The article highlighted the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, as well as the area's hiking trails and petroglyphs.

Marana, Arizona is the gateway to Southern Arizona and a perfect place to explore and play, as well as a perfect staging point for adventures all over the region.

Learn more about all of the great travel options in Marana including culinary tours, places to stay, great food and beverage options, shopping, and more at DiscoverMarana.org.

The Top 30 Places to Make You Forget About Winter

Marana In The Media: Residents to expand neighborhood watch program

The Marana News recently ran an article about Neighborhood Watch Programs in Marana Neighborhoods.

The Marana Police Department has a neighborhood watch program that has been in place for years. The program, sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association, enlists volunteers, often regular citizens, who serve as the eyes and ears of their neighborhoods and keep regular contact with the police.

David Danielson, Marana’s Community Resource Officer, works with a neighborhood watch support team to get these programs out in the town’s neighborhoods, share information and provide assistance wherever needed.

“It’s all about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Mike Newman, one of the support team volunteers. “It’s almost as if it’s a throwback to a time when neighbors really were close. It sort of aims to recreate a time when neighbors were close and helped each other out.” 

Darrel Gleddie, another volunteer, got involved with neighborhood watch about 10 years ago after moving to Marana for retirement. He lives in the Highlands at Dove Mountain, which has one of the longest-running programs in town, and serves as their community coordinator.

Read the full story at the MARANA NEWS

Marana Police assist MUSD with active shooter training

The Marana Police Department and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department participated in the Marana Unified School District (MUSD) Professional Learning and Collaboration Day, where they presented information on active shooter response in schools.  

Over 1,300 district educators and staff participated in the training, which is aligned with the MUSD Emergency Action Plan. 

“Educators did not come into this profession with this in their minds, it was to help and teach kids,” Marana Police Department Community Resource Officer David Danielson said. “unfortunately, in these changing times, these are things they need to be aware of and they need to be prepared for.”

The training focused on the run-hide-fight model, which emphasizes fleeing the scene as a top priority. If escape is not possible, victims should try to get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet. Engaging the shooter should be a last resort.

WIFA Announces Loan Closing for Town of Marana

PHOENIX (January 22, 2018) - The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) announced today that it has closed a $15,000,000 loan with the Town of Marana to install treatment technologies on two of the town’s water systems. The town provides water service to approximately 20,000 residents.

The funds will be used to install an ion exchange plus low-pressure high output (LPHO) ultraviolet and a peroxide advanced oxidation process (AOP) to reduce concentrations of compounds that are present in the Picture Rocks and Airline/Lambert water systems. While these compounds are unregulated at this time, this investment by the Town of Marana will permanently provide high quality water regardless of the EPA’s established health advisory levels.

“We are pleased to be a part of this much-needed project. These funds will allow Marana to improve the town’s drinking water now and long into the future,” said Trish Incognito, WIFA Executive Director. “By providing funding for infrastructure improvements like these, WIFA is able to help ensure that drinking water utilities can meet the long-term public health needs of their customers.”

About WIFA

WIFA is a governmental organization dedicated to protecting public health and promoting environmental quality through financial assistance for water and wastewater infrastructure. WIFA offers funding for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects designed to ensure safe, reliable drinking water and proper wastewater treatment. Over the last 25 years, WIFA has invested over $2 billion in Arizona’s communities.

For more information, please visit WIFA’s website at azwifa.gov.

The Town of Marana had previously announced the loan in a December press release.

Marana Film Office continues Town's rich film legacy

The Town of Marana has embraced the film and television industry, but that is nothing new. Cameras have rolled in the Town for movies and shows since 1939, but now more than ever Marana is becoming a destination for film production. The Marana Film Office was created to help bring more of these productions to the Town, as well as make the process of filming in the Town easier.

The Marana Film Office was established in 2017 as part of the Town’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

“The Marana film office fulfills the goals of the Marana Strategic Plan and the Economic Development Strategic Plan in a number of ways,” said Laura Cortelyou who oversees the Marana Film Office as part of her role as Marana’s Tourism and Marketing Manager. “It helps to diversify Marana’s economic base, it supports high paying jobs that match local workforce’s skill sets, and it supports local visitation and tourism.”

Tourism in Marana was given a huge boost by the film industry. Places like Saguaro Vista Ranch, Wild Horse Ranch, and the White Stallion Ranch catered to high end clients. When movie productions came to Marana, most of the film’s producers, crew, and cast stayed at these boutique guest ranches and made Marana a vacation destination.

Television and film has had an economic impact on the region. According to the Tucson Film Office, filming in \southern Arizona generated $9.4 million in direct spending, 3,653 hotel room nights, and 6,000 job days for local cast and crew members.

A number of projects have recently filmed in Marana, including a nature documentary, a segment for a crime TV documentary, a Jeep promotional video, several independent film projects, and an episode of TLC’s “Four Weddings”.

The Marana Film Office assists with the permitting process for filming on Town of Marana property, as well as location scouting and finding accommodations within the Town for the cast and crew.

If the production needs to hire local crew and/or support services, the Marana Film Office can assist with that as well. Soon the Marana Film Office website will host a comprehensive public-facing crew list.

Marketing the Town is a significant part of the Marana Film Office. They are marketing the Town not only as a great place to film projects, but as a great place to bring film-related businesses to the Town.

On January 16, Modern Studios opened in Marana. This full-service production facility boasts 12,000 square feet in production and post-production amenities, and is geared toward the regional, national, and international TV commercial market, digital media, and music video productions. It is the largest production studio in Arizona and has the only Bolt high-speed cinebot camera in the state.

Marana Film Office was recently accepted as a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), joining 360 film office members worldwide. The Marana Chamber of Commerce has also created a Film Committee to support and collaborate with the Marana Film Office.

Working in collaboration with Tucson Film Office and the Arizona Film and Digital Media Program, the Marana Film Office is working hard to market Marana to both future productions and businesses. Several productions have scouted Marana, and on January 4 a locations tour was provided to raise awareness of the unique locations Marana has to offer.

The Town of Marana has a rich cinematic history, and the future of film in the community is bright as well.

More on the Marana Film Office at DiscoverMarana.com

January 2019 is General Aviation Appreciation Month in Marana

At the January 15 Marana Town Council meeting it was proclaimed that January 2019 would be proclaimed as General Aviation Appreciation Month.

The proclamation states that the Town of Marana has a significant interest in the “continued vitality of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutions, aviation organizations, and community airports.” Additionally the proclamation recognizes the important economic impact the Marana Regional Airport has on the Town of Marana and surrounding areas.

As part of the proclamation, Marana residents are urged to “support the businesses and industries that contribute to general aviation as an important public benefit to the community and economic resource to the region.”

The Marana Regional Airport is currently in the midst of a $6 million improvement project that includes paving reconstruction, lighting upgrades, and drainage improvements.

Marana In the Media: 2019 Road Projects

Photo courtesy of Jeff Gardner/Inside Tucson Business

Inside Tucson Business wrote an in-depth feature on the Southern Arizona road projects on tap in 2019. The article covered Marana, as well as the City of Tucson, Oro Valley, Pima County, and state highways.

From the section on the Town of Marana:

Marana: Ina Road rebirth tops 2019 projects

The Town of Marana will be celebrating the completion of the Ina Road/Interstate 10 interchange this spring, along with a makeover of Ina Road itself.

Mo El-Ali, who serves as the director of Marana’s Public Works Department, highlighted some of the biggest improvements on the horizon in 2019. 

Topping the list for El-Ali is the series of improvements made along Ina Road, including the new bridge that spans the lanes of I-10, as well as the Union Pacific tracks next to the roadway. 

There’s also the bridge built by the consortium of the Arizona Department of Transportation, his department and the Regional Transit Authority. 

The Town of Marana budgeted $6.9 million to the Santa Cruz bridge development in the 2019 fiscal year, along with $4.3 million for the Ina Road re-pavement project that runs from Ulene Place and the Cañada del Oro Wash. 

For El-Ali, the Ina Road project, as well as the $307,000 re-pavement project along Avra Valley Road from Sanders Road to the town’s western limits and the $3.9 million sidewalk addition from Coachline Boulevard Twin Peaks Road are the most important efforts for residents. 

“Good roads are critical to Marana’s economy and it has a variety of infrastructure needs,” El-Ali said. “It’s going to be safe, and safe roads connect people to work, to schools, doctors’ offices, grocery stores, places that are vital to everyone’s well-being. So, they’re essential.”

El-Ali’s department is tasked with maintaining and improving the 520 lane miles of road in the Pima County town. 

The Town of Marana repaved 66 lane miles of road in 2018, according to El-Ali, comprising 13 percent of the town’s total roadway. 

Residents can expect further improvements, in the form of repaving and adding ADA-compliant ramps along Gladden Farms Road (2020) and a new four-way intersection with stop lights at Arizona Pavilion and the Walmart parking lot entrance.

Read the full story on the Inside Tucson Business website.



Marana In The Media: Ancient irrigation canals discovered in Marana 10 years ago

The Marana News had a good story about the 10-year anniversary of the discovery of ancient irrigation canals within the Town of Marana.

It’s been a decade since the announced discovery of the Las Capas irrigation canals, the uncovering of what would prove to be the oldest documented irrigation system in North America—and an answer to how ancient farmers grew corn in an arid and cactus-filled Sonoran Desert.

It was 10 years ago that Desert Archaeology began major excavations along the east bank of the Santa Cruz River, downstream of the confluence of the Rillito and Cañada del Oro tributaries as part of an expansion of Pima County’s water reclamation facilities when they found evidence of earlier waterways.

By earlier, according to excavation archaeologist James Vint, we’re speaking of dates from the Early Agricultural period (between 1200 and 800 B.C.) through the Hohokam and Protohistoric eras.

What they found was a network of canals and fields stretching over 100 acres.  According to the Society for American Archaeology: “There were more than 250 well-preserved canals of various sizes and over a thousand bordered fields in multiple stratigraphic levels occupied over a period of 800 years.”

Read the rest of the story, including information on Discover Marana’s Culinary Tours, here.

Overnight lane closures set for Interstate 10 near Ina Road Jan. 21-25

Motorists who use Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect lane closures between Orange Grove and Cortaro roads for paving work the week of Jan. 21.

I-10 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. starting the evening of Monday, Jan. 21. Work is expected to be complete by Friday morning, Jan. 25.

Ina Road is scheduled to close overnight between Camino de Oeste and Camino de las Capas for paving and barrier work. Ina will be closed in both directions from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly from Monday, Jan. 21, through Thursday, Jan. 24.

Ina Road traffic will detour to Camino de las Capas during the closures.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Marana In The Media: Positive news in year-end finances

Recently, the Town of Marana’s new finance director Yiannis Kalaitzidis briefed the Marana Town Council on the Town finances. In two briefs he covered both an independent audit, as well as giving them an update of the Town’s first quarter financials. Both were positive and the Marana News had a great re-cap of the presentations.

Marana’s budget is in good shape, according to new finance director Yiannis Kalaitzidis, who presented the town’s financial results for the most recent fiscal year and gave a new first quarter update to the mayor and council at their Dec. 18 meeting.

A group of independent auditors found no red flags in the town’s expenditures or revenues, which was great news for the finance department. Kalaitzidis, who began his leadership role in late October, went over highlights of the annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

He said this report is one of the most important because it’s a complete analysis of the town’s finances since its inception, and it communicates the financial health of the town’s government.

Read the rest of the story in the Marana News