The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) selected the City of Prescott to receive WIFA’s 2014 Clean Water Project of the Year award. WIFA will present the award during the City of Prescott Council Meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

The 2014 Clean Water Project of the Year was for the Airport Water Reclamation Facility Expansion, a $42 million infrastructure project to expand treatment capacity to accommodate current and near-term needs of the community. Prior to the upgrade, the facility’s technology and design limited the Prescott’s ability to support a higher level of treatment and capacity. The expansion and renovation project began in November 2012 and was recently brought online. The City of Prescott now has the ability to treat increased future wastewater flows and produce more Class A+ reclaimed water.

The WIFA Board of Directors selected the project for award based on Prescott’s focus on fiscal sustainability, exceptional project management, and commitment to improving Arizona’s quality of life through wastewater infrastructure upgrades.

“Treating wastewater to a Class A+ level allows for Prescott to reuse the water for beneficial purposes, such as irrigating sports fields, golf courses, and commercial landscapes, restoring riparian habitats and recharging groundwater aquifers,” said WIFA Board Chairman Henry Darwin, who is also Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. “The City of Prescott is to be commended for successfully completing this project, which protects water quality for Arizonans.”

Planning for such an extensive and important project involved anticipating system users’ future needs and demands, as well as setting user rates appropriately. This foresight and planning allowed Prescott to complete this essential infrastructure improvement project effectively and efficiently.

“City of Prescott staff was exceptionally well-organized and managed this massive project with impressive skill,” said WIFA Executive Director, Sandy Sutton. “We’re very pleased to acknowledge their achievements and hard work with this award.”

WIFA is a state agency 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.

Like the fighter who keeps getting knocked down but comes back to fight again, Miami has survived for many years the fluctuations of the copper market and a world economy. But with its picturesque cottages clinging to the hillsides and territorial-era buildings in downtown, Miami is seeing what can only be termed a renaissance.

Miami Bridge

Antique shops and art galleries have sprung up and if it’s a thirst you’re trying to quench, they now have everything from an old-fashioned soda fountain to more grown up beverages in an old West setting. Mexican food is a favorite, so there’s never a shortage of eating places. And as for those cottages on the hillside…many have been purchased by newcomers who are enchanted by Miami’s small town charm.

Picturesque Mine Café
Photo Courtesy Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce

The town, while facing many challenges, has a new wastewater plant designed to carry Miami through the coming decades and the town council is committed to meeting the future needs of residents. Bullion Plaza Museum and Cultural Center, located at the west end of town in a former elementary school, is becoming well known throughout the state as a facility for meetings and conferences. Already this year, they have hosted three major groups. As a museum it is top rate, with displays of memorabilia from former Governor Rose Mofford, an extensive mineral and rock collection, and histories of the various ethnic groups that came to work the copper mines.

Miami Central Building

Miami is a proud reminder of the endurance and courage that early settlers in the mining camps demonstrated. That “we can do it” spirit survives today in Miami.

Superior Business District

Written by Sue McKinney Anderson

Just one hour from Phoenix by car, but a world away in terms of beauty and quaintness, sits Superior.  When the mines closed years ago many people moved on and houses, as well as businesses, sat vacant and fell into a state of disrepair.  Not so today!  In recent years people, many of whom are artists and visionaries,  have been renovating the structures and creating a wonderful assortment of creative and “eclectic” homes and businesses.

Superior Business District

The weather is beautiful and the views are endless.  Each year the Chamber hosts a home and building tour in January that attracts approximately 1,000 people. Art, antiques and the famous Mata Ortiz potters from Mexico are all part of the event.  All go home happy and delighted they came.  Other festivals, including the Apache Leap mining festival, Cinco de Mayo, the Prickly Pear Festival, Noche de Vaquero (Night of the Cowboy) and Miracle on Main St. (Christmas parade and event) make Superior a great place to visit all year round.

Superior Mining Competition Drilling
Photo Courtesy Superior Chamber of Commerce

Soon, your visit won’t be complete without staying at the magnificent Magma Hotel, which is listed on the National Historic Registry, and will be opening shortly.  Bicylists, hikers, rock climbers, ATV lovers and equestrians have endless trails and areas to explore.  Great retail shops, galleries and restaurants will fill your every need.  We’re proud to staff an official Arizona Office of Tourism in Superior and welcome you to start your day at the red caboose on Hwy 60 or the Chamber of Commerce at 165 W Main St.  And of course no trip to this area would be complete without a visit to the beautiful Boyce Thompson Arboretum just two miles West of Downtown Superior.

Superior Mural

Trails galore with fabulous plants, trees, flowers and events. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you with your plans. Visit us online at www.superiorarizonachamber.org or better yet, in person.  We hope to see you soon!

Kearny Welcome Sign

Uptown Kearny – Photo Courtesy of Sam Hosler

Kearny, named in honor of General Stephen Watts Kearny, and his dragoons, who camped on the Gila River on their way to California in 1846 was officially established in 1959. When the local Kennecott Mining Company decided to change from underground to open pit mining, the towns of Ray and Sonora had to be moved.  At the same time, Kennecott was building a new smelter in Hayden and homes were being demolished to make room for the expansion.  The need for more housing to accommodate these populations marked the beginning of a new town named Kearny, over 55 years ago.

Pinal County Building and Town Police and Fire Station in Kearny

Kearny is nestled at the base of the Pinal Mountain Range. The location provides prime opportunities for some of the best outdoor recreation in Arizona.  For those that enjoy driving all-terrain vehicles the Mescal Mountains off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area has some of Arizona’s Best developed trails. Mescal Mountains has everything from rolling hills to steep mountains, flat washes and riverbed areas. It is perfect for both novices but also challenging for the experienced trailblazer.  Or for those that prefer a more relaxed day there is always golfing at the Kearny Golf Course or a picnic at Kearny Lake.

Newly Restored Porter Rail Locomotive at the Rail and Copper Park

And make sure to stop by uptown’s Rail and Copper Park to see the red caboose, mining cars and the newly restored Porter air locomotive that was used by Kennecott Copper Corporation in the original underground Ray Copper Mine to haul men, ore and supplies from 1925 to 1955.

Copper Cart in the Rail and Copper Park

Written by Gloria Ruiz

The Town of Winkelman is at an elevation of 2,034 and is located in the southern end of Gila County, at the confluence of the San Pedro and Gila Rivers.  The history of Winkelman dates back to 1877 and 1878 when a large number of farmers migrated to the region.  With the coming of the railroad, a post office was established in 1903 near the ranch of Peter Winkelman.  Winkelman was incorporated in 1914.  However, a few years later the Town dis-incorporated and reincorporated on June 6, 1949.

Much like other cities and towns in the corridor, most of Winkelman’s economic activity is still based on copper.  The community serves primarily as a service center and residential area for families of employees associated with the mining and processing activities.  The principal employer within the Town is the Hayden-Winkelman Unified School District.

Winkelman Luten Arch Bridge

Arizona State Route Highways 77 and 177 provide excellent access to different parts of the state.  Both highways route through Winkelman.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe has approved a second gaming site near the Aravaipa area of Arizona.  The location is approximately seven miles southeast of Winkelman.  This project will bring much needed economic benefits to the tribe and surrounding communities, including Winkelman, by providing 400 plus permanent jobs and millions of dollars of new revenue to the region.

Ore Cart at Roadside Park
Photo Courtesy of Town of Winkelman

The scenery around Winkelman is some of the most spectacular in the state and is part of the Old West Highway route.  The mountain ranges provide the backdrop for the meandering Gila River and such landmarks as Saddleback and Mescal Mountain ranges.

At the gateway to Winkelman stands a roadside park featuring a 115 foot-long adobe wall.  You can walk around, through or meet within it.  The Wall tells the history of the Town by using bits of ranching and mining implements, as well as local geological samples.  The Winkelman Historic Bridge was constructed in 1916 and is one of only two left in the country and is in the National Historic Registry.

Giorsetti Superior Grocery Store

Winkelman is also home to the Giorsetti Superior Grocery Store.  The Giorsetti family has always operated this store since 1911.  While shopping, you can see the old architecture style and meet the two generations of the family members who work there on a daily basis.

An added attraction to Winkelman is the Winkelman Flats Public Park, located adjacent to the Gila River. This park provides RV camping with all utility hook-ups, flushable restrooms with hot and cold showers, dry camping areas, swimming, tubing, canoeing and fishing.  This park has a playground area for children, a softball field and a rodeo arena.  A basketball court, designed by the Phoenix Suns, was obtained through grant funding.

Ribbon Cutting at Roadside Park
Photo Courtesy of Town of Winkelman

Winkelman is a beautiful area to visit if you want to retreat from the city.  You can meet many friendly residents and enjoy the infinite number of starts at night.

Gila River Valley from Luten Arch Bridge

The Town of Hayden is a copper mining town located in southeast Gila and Pinal Counties. Originally founded as a company town, it was shaped by patterns of immigration over many generations.  It is rich in history, and the heritage bond of the community is solid.  Hayden celebrated its centennial in 2009. The local Catholic Church celebrated its centennial in 2013.  ASARCO Copper Mine also celebrated 100 years of operation in the community. The ASARCO mine employs workers from all over the state, and this mine contributes millions of dollars to Arizona’s economy.  The ASARCO mine is one of the last two operating smelters in the United States.

Welcome to Hayden

Hayden Police Department

The Town of Hayden is a warm and welcoming community that attracts individuals to partake in recreational activities. The weather in Hayden is beautiful most of the year, which is ideal for golfing on our nine-hole golf course.  The tree-lined golf course sits off the banks of the Gila River. Around the golf course, you can picnic at one of the ramadas, camp at the RV park, or in the summer, enjoy little league games.

Hayden Golf Course
Photo Courtesy of Gloria Muñoz

The Town of Hayden takes great pride in having a full operating senior center. Our senior center provides meals for the elderly in all our local neighboring communities and activities and social events Monday through Friday.  The senior center is also staffed with vehicles to assist in transporting participants from the outlying communities to our location.  The Town of Hayden provides support in continuing the Meals on Wheels program throughout the Copper Corridor.  The town council understands the need to plan for the future and approved a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant to improve the town’s infrastructure.

Hayden Senior Center

The Town of Hayden is resilient. Its residents continue to practice their heritage and cultural traditions, making it a true Arizona community working to stabilize itself, improve its housing stock and commercial buildings and strive for economic growth and community development.

Downtown Globe

Nestled at the foothills of the Pinal Mountains, the City of Globe has carved out a proud history in Arizona. A powerhouse in the territorial days, Globe was instrumental in Arizona history, sending George W. P. Hunt to serve as the first governor and for several subsequent terms. We also are proud to claim our own Rose Mofford, Arizona’s first woman governor, as one of Globe’s own. Gov. Mofford graduated from Globe High School and on her retirement from public service, she donated her collection of wonderful memorabilia collected over any years to the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts and the Bullion Plaza Museum and Cultural Center.

Globe Historic District

Unlike many small cities and towns that grabbed at the chance to tear down the old and go for the newest in architecture, Globe opted instead to preserve its history, especially in the downtown area which boasts several blocks of gorgeous territorial-era buildings. The Gila County Courthouse was rescued from certain dilapidation by a fine arts guild that has renovated the building back to its stately beginnings. The old jail is a delight to anyone who remembers the Saturday morning westerns. And our oldest building of all is Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park which is rebuilt on an 800-year-old Salado Indian village.

Historic Gila County Courthouse

Globe is at the epicenter of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking in the Pinal Mountains, to walking parks within town, to wonderful downtown streets to stroll, it’s easy to tell we appreciate being in the middle of Arizona’s most beautiful heartland.

Besh Ba Gowah Park
Photo Courtesy of Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce

History resonates in Globe. Ranching, mining and early politics shaped this city that still serves as the county seat. Where once Globe drew miners from around the world, now it attracts visitors who come to enjoy the friendly small town atmosphere, delightful shops and restaurants, and outdoor activities. Copper is still most prized here in Globe, but we’ve found tourism offers new and exciting riches.

Written by Ellen Kretsch

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) of Arizona awarded the City of Tempe the 2015 Community Action Award on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the 11^th Annual HRC Arizona Gala Dinner.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is recognizing Tempe for advancing city-wide equality through a city ordinance, a Charter change through a local ballot initiative, and updating policies to be named one of 38 national “All Stars” on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. Tempe earned a perfect score of 100 in the 2014 Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Municipal Equality Index, a gauge of how cities are doing on LGBT equality issues.

“The City of Tempe is honored to receive this recognition,” said Mayor Mark Mitchell. “We have long been an inclusive community and we will continue to work with our community partners to ensure that Tempe is always at the forefront of creating opportunities and taking down barriers.”

Tempe has a history of valuing diversity and taking action to prevent discrimination.

In 1999, the city was one of the first in Arizona to begin providing domestic partner benefits. In February 2014, the City Council unanimously approved an anti-discrimination ordinance that secured broad protections for all community members. In August, Tempe voters resoundingly approved an amendment to the city Charter (more than 68 percent approval) to prohibit discrimination or favor for city positions on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, political affiliation and United States military veteran status, except as such favor may be authorized by law. Protections apply to employment at the city and at businesses in Tempe, as well as to contracts, housing, public places and appointments to city Boards and Commissions.

The Human Rights Campaign of Arizona will also recognize Aiken Schenk Law Firm and Lambda Legal as the Corporate Equality Award recipients, and Bobbi Lancaster as the Individual Equality Award recipient. For more information, visit www.hrcazdinner.org.

A look at Glendale’s 100 year water history

Water; we all use it every day for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and public health and safety. On Feb. 25, 2015, Glendale Water Services Department will commemorate its 100^th year of providing safe, reliable, high quality water and wastewater services to the community. As part of the Glendale Water Services Department Centennial Celebration, a traveling display featuring historic photos and captions titled, “Glendale’s 100-Year Water Story” will be on display across Glendale through the year. The display was developed in partnership with Arizona Public Service, Central Arizona Project, Glendale Arizona Historic Society, and Salt River Project. A century ago, the then-town of Glendale purchased the Water Works Company from Floyd Holmes Sine for $12,000 and created the new Municipal Water Works Department on Feb. 25, 1915. The initial system had two wells, two elevated tanks, distribution pipes and 160 customers. The town immediately upgraded the system by drilling additional wells and installing new pressure pumps. A storm water disposal system, fire protection system and sewage system were installed just a few years later.

The water tower that was part of the purchase of the Water Works Company from Floyd Holmes Sine, which was sold to the Town of Glendale for $12,000 on Feb. 25, 1915 and resulted in the new Municipal Water Works Department. Photo courtesy: Glendale Arizona Historical Society.

Although Glendale has changed significantly over the last century, one thing remains constant; the city’s commitment to providing exceptional water and wastewater services to more than 230,000 people. Glendale uses state-of-the-art technology and a highly trained workforce to operate four water treatment plants, two water reclamation facilities and maintain more than 1,000 miles of water mains and more than 680 miles of sewer mains. Glendale Water Services Director Craig Johnson said “lessons from the past have helped us plan for the future.  We have a remarkable wealth of talent and experience among our employees.  Working in partnership with the community, the Water Services Department is committed to building on this firm foundation to meet the challenges that come our way.”

Members of Floyd Holmes Sine’s family join members of the Water Services Department at the Jan. 27, city council meeting where the proclamation was read declaring February 2015 through February 2016 as Glendale Municipal Water Service Centennial Year.

For a full listing of when and where the Glendale Water Services Department display will be located, visit www.GlendaleAZ.com/waterservices. Partner locations include the Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale libraries and recreation centers, and Glendale Community College.

New Year’s Resolution – Get Outside!
This is the time of year that we relish after those long, hot, tortuous days of summer. Why not make a New Year’s resolution to get outdoors and enjoy your city or town?

If you’ve got sunshine in southern Arizona, a hike up a mountain trail is the perfect way to spend your winter afternoon. The Town of Marana has numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, including more than 30 miles of trails in the Tortolia Mountains. The Town offers free Saturday morning guided hikes for individuals to get exercise, have fun and meet fellow hikers. Put it on your list to breathe in the fresh air and join them for one of these events!

City of Mesa has a way to get outdoors and support a great cause! Their sixth annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K/10K is being held on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Mesa Riverview Park. Participants of all ages and ability levels are encouraged to sign up. The race will bring together the entire community to support sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more info or to register, visit www.RunWalkRollAz.com. Be sure to check our Mesa Parks & Recreation for even more outdoor opportunities to start 2015 off right!

If a relaxing afternoon in the park is more your speed, look no further than the City of Surprise’s 2nd Sunday in the Park. Enjoy an afternoon at the park with live musical entertainment on the second Sunday of each month. The free family event is fun for all ages. Upcoming shows will be held on Januray 11, February 8 and March 8. Click here to find events happening in Surprise all year long!

And don’t forget about SNOW! Northern Arizona and the White Mountains have plenty of opportunities to ski, snowboard and build snowmen. Check out the Great Arizona Road Trip for more ideas for cold weather adventures and year-round activities!