The following is a partial list of activities and projects related to economic and community growth and development for the Year 2001.
Infrastructure and Capital Improvements
Escalante Village Apartments seeks Rehibilitation Grants - The Escalante Apartment Associates will acquire and rehabilitate the Escalante Village Apartments to clear the way for securing funds from HOME and the State of Arizona Housing Trust Funds.. The anticipated rehabilitation would cost $900,000 to bring the 24 units up to like-new condition. The apartments were built in 1982-83 and have been occupied by tenants at or below 60% of the Area Median Income.
Airport Improvements - Grant monies totalling $1 million dollars was awarded to the City of Page by the Federal Aviation Administration for the 2001 fiscal year. These monies are in addition to the $675,294 awarded in fiscal year 2000 and $1,515,892 worth of grants previously awarded for a grand total of over $3.29 million dollars.
The monies will be used to overly the main runway, pave the crosswind runway, handle drainage problems, replace edge lighting on the taxiway and runway, develop runway safety areas, construct jet blast pads, upgrade security access gates, purchase of a runway sweeper, conduct an environmental assessment on a future 450 foot runway extension, conduct a new airport financial feasibility study and to begin a pavement preservation program.
New Public Safety Building - The new 28,000 square foot facility shared by the police and fire departments opened September 5th. The building was designed by Durrant Architects and constructed by Linthicum. The building design includes several rooms and offices for both departments, a new 911 dispatch system, a special hook-up to allow training broadcasts for officers and evidence labs. Cost of construction was $5.2 million dollars. Funds for construction came from $1.4 million dollars in capital improvement taxes and money set aside for the Page Police Department to run the jail. The old police building had leaking roofs, major plumbing and electrical problems, and a marginal heating and cooling system.
Page Electric Utility Installs Six Diesel Generators - In an effort to provide a backup power supply and minimize the city's exposure to expensive power on the open market, six diesel generators were purchased in 2001 on an emergency plan at a cost of $5 million dollars. The high prices of power in open market (as high as $450/megawatt hr) and the expiration of the Rocky Mountain power contract in December 31, 2002 were key factors.
Lake Powell Boulevarde Improvements - The main thoroughfare in Page will get a facelift beginning in October. The project will include asphalt roadway improvements, beautification, new lighting and storm drainage improvement. The contract was awarded to Interstate Rock Products of Hurricane, Utah. The project is funded by ADOT transfer monies.
Main Water Line Replacement - 6,100 feet of 14" main water line was approved for replacement along Lake Powell Boulevard at a cost of $304,423. Coordinating this work with the surface street work will save substantial money and reduce inconvenience to the public. The old steel pipe in place for 40 years will be replaced with a new 14" PVC line. The old line was underneath the sidewalk, the new line will be underneath the street. Work is expected to be completed by June 2002.
Extension of Antelope Point Launch Ramp - The NPS aquired funds to extend the launch ramp this spring.
Workforce and Community Education
Le Chee VOTECH to offer GED prep classes - Le Chee VOTECH will be offering GED preparation classes beginning the week of Jan. 15 in Le Chee, Page and Kaibeto. The classes will be conducted at the VOTECH Center in Le Chee and Coconino Community College-Page campus
Glen Canyon Recreational Area Education Program - Educational programs through NPS personal are available for Page Unified school district, schools in Kaibeto, Big Water, Fredonia and Kanab and community groups as part of their community outreach program. Contact Marianne Karraker, science education specialist at 520 608-6261. In additional to classroom presentations, guided walks featuring desert ecology, plant identification and uses, geology, lake ecology and history can also be arranged.
KXAZ Radio - Logon to http://www.kxaz.com/ and nominate a Teacher of the Week. Teachers are honored for their creative achievements and the winner teacher is showcased on KXAZ radio, receives a gift certificate from a local restaurant and a picutre of the teacher and the students are displayed on the internet. It's nice way to reward hard working teachers who stimulate their students in creative ways.
Native American Heritage Month - The Page Unified School District announced the November is Native American Heritage Month. Activities include Navajo Code Talker presentations, Native leadership week, silversmith and sculpture presentations, native foods week, native story telling week, tradition dress days, and various artist presentations including flute making and playing.
Image/Sense of Community
Photo courtesy of the Lake Powell Chronicle
New Exhibits at John Wesley Powell Museum - The museum
announces several new exhibits for the 2001 season. These include a new geology
exhibit, an exhibit featuring the Navajo Generating Station and its relationship to the
community of Page.
The new diorama room featuring two restored exhibits received from the Grand Canyon
National Park will be dedicated on March 24th which is John Wesley Powell's birth date.
The Museum staff is also working on grants through the Arizona Humanities Council
what will educate the public about the Colorado River system.
Mesa Theature Saturday Matinee Programs - Frena Crane was recently presented an annual pass at the theater in appreciation of her community efforts. Frena has helped coordinate the the Saturday Matinee pass program which have allowed non-profit organizations to raise funds through ticket sales to the tune of $6,000.
International Coastal Cleanup Day - The Glen Canyon National Recreational Area and the Friends of Lake Powell hosted the 1st annual Internation Coastal Cleanup day on Lake Powell. Photos and event summary are available at http://www.lakepowell.net/cleanup2001.htm
Penny Project Raises $44,000 - KXAZ radio coordinated a
community penny donation to raise funds for food vouchers.
Emergency food vouchers are available upon request from Another Way, the Page Police
Department, Page Unified School District, the Page Food Bank, local churches. The
vouchers are good for food purchases at Basha's and Safeway.
Girls 'n Sync Conference - 140 young women attended a 1-day conference at the PERA Club. The event was coordinated by Sarah Kramer Allen with the goal of enhancing girls' self awareness and life goals.
Effective Government / Leadership / Inter-government agreements
Chamber of Commerce Membership Survery - The Chamber wants to hear what the members are thinking. What do you want the Page Lake-Powell Chamber of Commerce to do? and What has the Chamber done for you as a member or for the community in your opinion? Contact the Chamber by the end of March with your comments.
City of Page Annual Awards Luncheon - In appreciation to all City of Page employees for their hard work and dedication.
Linking Internet Sites - The Chamber of Commerce made a request to local area businesses with website that they include a link to the Chamber of Commerce. Local business websites can all help to promote Page with a good "links listing" that includes a hotlink to the Chamber of Commerce website: http://www.pagelakepowellchamber.org/
Coconino Community College Donation - The Page Library received a $7,919 donation from CCC. Lloyd Hammonds, CCC Director said "It makes sense to the donated the money to the city. The library has in turn helped the college." The majority of the donation proceeds came from fund raising activities such as Casino Night with the Page High School Hospitality Class and the golf tournament with the Page-Lake Powell Chamber of Commerce.
FBI National Academy Event - About 115 members from across Arizona were in Page October 3rd to 6th for rescue and recovery demostrations. The Page Police Department, the National Park Service and Coconino County Sheriff's Department all took part in assisting and hosting the event.
Business License - Page has a business license ordinance (Ordinance #151) that was adopted 12/12/85 but there is no enforcement procedure and the ordinance's wording needs to be revised. A $25 administration fee and a revised business license ordinance was discussed by Council but no action was taken.
General Economic Development
Aviation Economic Report - A recent study for Page Municipal Airport revealed that aviation-related activities have a $20 million dollar annual economic impact on Page's local economy.
Central Business District Report - The Main Street
staff compiled an inventory report of the central business district. The report
contains an inventory list of all businesses, their square footage, their number of
employees and a contact person.
The report found that the occupancy rate of available retail space was 90%.
Page Pedistrian Walkway wins Main Street Award - At the Governor's Rural Development Conference, the Page Pedestrian Walkway was recognized as Best Public/Private Partnership for a large scale project. The six year project combined federal, state and city funds as well as efforts by local business owners to create an inviting downtown experience for local residents and visiting tourists.
Community Services
New Community Services Satellite Office Opens - A
new satellite office of the Coconino County Community Services Department opens in Page.
The mission is to connect people who have certain needs with services that are
available in region.
The goal is assisting people to be independent. Joanna Holden is the newly hired
Page case manager. Local organizations are sometimes not aware of all the services
that are available in our area. The Community Services's goal is to connect those in
need with the proper resources in Page. Contact Joanna Holden at 645-9400 for more
information. The office is located at 467 Vista Ave. Office hours are 8-5 pm,
Monday through Friday.
Devereux Arizona takes over management of the Northern Arizona Youth Alternative Center - Deveraux officially began managing the Northern Arizona Youth Alternative Center on March 5. "The foundation is held in high regards from managing shelters", said Police Chief Wayne Wright. Michael Bronson, Director of Community-based Services for Northern Arizona explained, "My interest in Page was sparked by the commitment of the community. It was impressive."
Page Youth Center Celebrates First Anniversary - The first anniversary party will feature a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and a live performance by the Phoenix band RASTAFARMER. The Center will be providing food and beverages with ARAMARKS Wahweap Lodge providing lodging for the performers.
Health Care Strategic Plan -
Page Hospital recently acquired Canyon View Medical Center. This facility will be utilized for outreach programs, i.e. Visiting Specialists Program. The Physicial Therapy Department will also be moving into the clinic building to expand their services and this move will free up an area to expand the laboratory services within the hospital.
Two Orthopedic Surgeons from St. George have been contracted to see patients on a weekly basis as opposed to the current schedule of once a month.
Another Way Shelter Signs lease agreement with City - A new women's shelter will be built at Doland Field next to the the Northern Arizona Youth Alternative Center (NAYAC). The Page Task Force Against Domestic Violence, Inc. signed a $1 a year lease agreeement with the city. The shelte will provide safe harbor and an opportunity for women to reorganize and restart their lives.
Rotary Donates $10,000 to Page Community Pride Fund - A check for $10,000 was issued to the Page Community Pride Fund which is administered by and will be matched dollar for dollar by the Arizona Community Foundation. Donation monies were raised through the annual Warner Fellowship Dinner and Golf Tournament.
Tourism
Pedestrian Ramadas - The Rotory Club has announced plans to fund the construction of two new ramadas along the new pedestrian walkway.
January Bird Count Survey - The annual Glen Canyon "Christmas" bird count was conducted on January 3rd this year. Eight-two (82) bird species were identified up from 79 the year before including a white pelican on Lake Powell and 18 bald eagles near Lake Powell. Three groups took part in the survey: one on the lake, one on the river and one in Page. John Spence, GCNRA coordinator said "New species are discovering the lake every year".
$7,800 Awarded to Olympic Promotional Task Force - City Council approved funds for tourism related advertising associated with the Olympics. The task force is looking into four different opportunities: 1) Advertising a full page ad with Prestige Advertising, 2) Printing an additional 50,000 copies of the Page-Lake Powell brochure and use a certified brochure distributor, 3) Advertisement on a Salt Lake City bus, 4) Partnering with the Navajo Nation in their Discover Navajo 2002 cultural exhibit which will be on display in the Olympic Festival of Nations. In addition to whatever the Olympic Task finally decides on, The Tourism and Events Board has decided to purchase a full page advertisement in The Gold Medal Road magazine and Chamber of Commerce will purchase an advertisement in the The Gateway to Canyon Country magazine.
Fireman's Muster Event - This fireman's event was held in Page on October 13th. Teams from Bullhead City and Phoenix participated in the event.
Tourism and Events Board Hosts Travel Writers and Photographers - Twice a year a FAM tour for travel writers and photographers are hosted in Page where they can learn about the activities and businesses in Page. It is a good way to meet the writers and tell them about our service ammendities and the city gets free publicity through published articles and photographs.
Grants For the Year 2000
Elderly and Disabled Transportation Grant - A grant for $26,000 from the Arizona Department of Transporation (ADOT) for local transportation services and out-of-town medical trips for the elderly and disabled citizens of Page.
Airport Improvement Grants - Grant monies totalling $1 million dollars was awarded to the City of Page by the Federal Aviation Administration for the 2001 fiscal year. These monies are in addition to the $675,294 awarded in fiscal year 2000 and $1,515,892 worth of grants previously awarded for a grand total of over $3.29 million dollars.
The monies will be used to overly the main runway, pave the crosswind runway, handle drainage problems, replace edge lighting on the taxiway and runway, develop runway safety areas, construct jet blast pads, upgrade security access gates, purchase of a runway sweeper, conduct an environmental assessment on a future 450 foot runway extension, conduct a new airport financial feasibility study and to begin a pavement preservation program.
Senior Center Building Expansion - $500,000 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) were awarded to the Senior Center for kitchen and dining room upgrades.