The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) selected the City of Eloy to receive WIFA’s 2014 Drinking Water Project of the Year award. WIFA presented the award at a special presentation during the City of Eloy Council Meeting on Monday night.

The 2014 Drinking Water Project of the Year was for the Houser/Toltec Waterline Improvement Project, a $2 million infrastructure project to address inadequate water distribution infrastructure in the western portion of Eloy. The project included upgrades to the existing booster station and replacement of undersized water mains.

“Through water management planning and investments in water infrastructure improvements like this, the City of Eloy is able to provide a reliable water supply to its residents and the businesses within their community,” said WIFA Board Chairman Henry Darwin, who is also Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

The project was selected for an award based on advances the City of Eloy made to ensure system reliability, their excellent project management and commitment to protecting public health in Arizona through water infrastructure improvement.

“The City of Eloy’s staff did an excellent job managing this project, even through the transition of Public Works Directors,” 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.

Photo Courtesy: Cronkite News Online

Just south of Eloy, Picacho Peak has been used as a navigational landmark for hundreds of years, and was the site of Arizona’s only Civil War battle. The 3-mile round trip stretch has been rated as “moderate” by most hikers due to its well-maintained trail and easy walking with trail elevation in most areas with only one steep section aided with steel handrails and cables. While on the trail you can expect to see an abundance of wildlife, enjoy the natural surroundings away from all the bustle of the city, as well as possibly a glimpse of petroglyphs from the historic Hohokam tribe.

With the ease of the trail, one can take the time to appreciate the view, mixed with a little bit of history, and a 360-degree breathtaking view of the surrounding Sonoran desert, what’s not to love?

The park re-opens to the public on September 13. Catch some practice hikes in the valley and then hit the trail just as summer starts to turn to early Arizona fall.

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/