Current News & Happenings in & Around Dolan Springs, AZ

http://lmrfd.org/index.shtml Lake Mohave Rancho Fire Dept.

Arizona's 4th Busiest Airport, Grand Canyon West Airport!

Jetman Speaks at Grand Canyon West's 23rd Anniversary Celebration After His Historical flight Over Grand Canyon WestGRAND CANYON WEST, AZ (May ID, 2011) Saturday, May 7, 2011, the Hualapal Tribe celebrated the 23rd Anniversary of Grand Canyon West, home of the Skynalk. During the celebration, the ribbon was cut, officially opening Grand Canyon West's new 5,000-loot long and 75-foot wide runway with adjacent helipads accommodating both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

Visitors arrive at Grand Canyon West from more than 30 different tour suppliers from Nevada and Arizona including helicopter, airplane and ground companies. The new runway will allow for night departures and the possibility of air tours direct from Southern California to Grand Canyon West.

"The new runway will open up several new opportunities for Grand Canyon West. Now that the runway is lighted and planes can arrive and depart without daylight, tour suppliers can run an extra leg, bringing dozens more visitors by air each day," said Robert Bravo .Jr., CEO of Grand Canyon Resort Corporation. "This marks the first time that air tour visitors will experience the sunset at Grand Canyon West, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth to do so.

"Grand Canyon West Airport started as a dirt airstrip in the late 1980s, serving air tours in fixed-wing aircraft from Las Vegas. Air traffic grew quickly and the Hualapal Tribe initially paved the airstrip in the late 1990s. Since then, the airport has been accepted into the national airport system as an official part 139 airport and has become one of Arizona's most active airports.

Breitling Watch sponsored Was 'Jetman" Rossy was in attendance lathe 23rd Anniversary event just hours after his historical flight over Grand Canyon West that morning. Rossy thanked the Hualapai for allowing him to achieve one of the most rewarding flights he has ever accomplished. Bravo, who observed the flight said, "Jetman's flight was quite a way to start the morning of our 23rd Anniversary and opening of our new runway. I witnessed the historical flight at approximately 6:30A.M. on Saturday morning. it was amazing to see a man soaring like an eagle through Grand Canyon West?

The 23rd Anniversary event had a record number of attendees as hundreds of proud Hualapal tribal members celebrated in front of the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center, including l-fua(apai celebrity Kiowa Gordon (actor in the movies New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn), who returned to the reservation to share this significant event with his community. Many Hualapai dressed in traditional clothing and performed ceremonial dances throughout the day. Also during the ceremony, Tribal members who have contributed to the past and present successes of Hualapai Tourism were recognized and honored.

"This was our forefathers' vision. The increasing success was not due to any one individual, but is the work of many," said Joseph flies-Away, Chairman of the Board for Grand Canyon Resort Corporation. "Our destination is recognized around the world, people treasure the beauty that we have shared. Grand Canyon West is a step closer to achieving an independent future for our people and the vision of our forefathers, our ancestors?

Wind, solar energy project under constructionKINGMAN – Western Wind Energy has the first renewable energy project under construction in Mohave County.“We will be erecting five 270-foot towers with blades that are about 175 feet,” Western Wind Energy Vice President of Development Mike Boyd said. “This is a unique project. The pads are almost completed. This is the first utility-scale, integrated wind and solar energy project in the United States.”According to the Western Wind website, construction on the company’s “wholly owned 10.5 megawatt combined wind and solar project” began in “December, 2010, and commercial operations are estimated to commence in the third quarter of 2011…. The project is fully zoned for wind energy …. The company has signed a power purchase agreement with UNS Electric, Inc., a subsidiary ofUniSource Energy Corporation of Arizona.”

The project is east of Interstate-40 and the railroad tracks, south of Kingman, “approximately one section of land east of the Nucor Steel plant,” Boyd said. “It’s at the end of Old Trails Road. The project is on 808 acres. The area is currently being graded.

We expect the turbines to arrive and start going up on April 15. This project will be completed in the middle of July.”A 10-acre area is currently being prepared for photovoltaic solar panels, he said. Power from the wind turbines and solar panels will go to the substation and, from there,go on a line “across BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land to the interconnect utility” to feed the power to UniSource. The total of 10.5 megawatts is enough to power approximately 4,000 homes.“Western Wind is an energy development company,” Boyd said. “RMT, our environmental procurement contracting company, is a huge international construction company. We have a number of local contractors, as well. Whenever it is not a totallyspecialized service, we hire local contractors.” RMT, Inc. Project Manager Bob Tepp is overseeing construction.

“We broke ground on December 28,” Tepp said. The roads and pads are currently being graded. “The road will be widened to 32 feet across” to allow a crane to be brought up and assembled “on the site and be able to walk from pad to pad” to construct thetowers and turbines along a ridge that is between 3,400 and 3,600 feet above sea level.

“I commend Western Wind Energy and Unisource for locating this sustainable energy project in Mohave County,” County Economic Development Department Director Travis Lingenfelter said. “According to Western Wind Energy's corporate office, this project represents a total investment of approximately $28 million, which demonstrates their confidence in the future of the renewable energy sector here in northwest Arizona.”Western Wind “has been very easy to work with,” Mohave County Planning and Zoning Manager Christine Ballard said. “They have always kept a good line of communication open. If we needed anything, they got it to us. Once they got the green light to go, they have been very responsive in getting information back to us.”

“Their initial contact with us was back in 2005,” County Planner John Montgomery said. “In the beginning, they were looking at more turbines of a smaller size. But that changed. First they got their zoning approved and then things were on hold for a while. We went through a series of extensions of time for them and then, in the last few months, they’ve had big activity.”

“RMT is currently cutting in roads and doing the pads for the wind generators and the solar field,” County Chief Building Official Ronald Durgin said. “They will be picking up the permits for the foundations for the five wind generators. They just submitted the final plans for the wind generators yesterday (Wednesday, Feb. 16). This is pretty much a six-month time frame from start to finish.”

As well as a $28 million investment in the area, which includes many construction jobs, Mohave County will potentially garner between $80,000 and $100,000 in permitting fees to pay for the review and inspection processes, Ballard said.

“I’m dealing with the RMT project manager on the field operations,” Durgin said. “My (Building) division is involved in the review of construction plan documents and getting materials ready for permits to be issued. We also do all the field inspections and follow through on construction. Our job goes through the whole process until the project is completed.

They (RMT) are very well organized and efficient in what they do. Their schedule has been pretty aggressive.” Mohave County has two types of renewable energy projects on the books, Ballard said. “We have the large-scale types that are going to tie into the WAPA (Western Area Power Administration) grid. Then we have the smaller plants that will tie into another merchant or local utility, like UniSource.”

UniSource has its own proposed photovoltaic project, Durgin said.“The next one (wind energy project) that seems to be moving forward is the BP (British Petroleum) project up in White Hills,” Montgomery said. “Right now they are in the process with BLM on the environmental impact statement. That is a fairly lengthy process. The last I heard, they were planning on getting their draft statement out by August or September and the final impact statement by maybe a year from now.”

But being a potential project on the books and being under construction are two different things. And Western Wind’s project is under construction and planning to be completed this summer.

This is just Phase 1, Boyd said. In future years, when the market is ready, “we are looking at a project of anywhere from 10 to 15 more megawatts.”

Look around Kingman and you will see all the wind turbines.

Hoover Dam bridge is America's 14th wonder of the world.

If you are interested in construction photos of Hoover Dam Bridge Bypass. Send us an email request for these fantastic photos. They have NOT BEEN SEEN ANYWHERE.

In the subject put Construction Photos of Hoover Dam.

send email to: briansmrz@fastmail.fm

Hoover Dam Construction Photos

Opportunity of a Lifetime!

A LITTLE WESTERN TOWN GONE ASTRAY FOR OVER 50 YEARS!,

On the Verge of Being Reborn and Revitalized.

EXCITING THINGS: IN DOLAN SPRINGS, AZ Dolan Springs, Az is located in the valley below the Cerbat Mountains in NW Arizona. Approximately 70 miles South of Las Vegas, NV and 30 miles North of Kingman, Az, and 55 miles North East of Laughlin, Nv. Elevation approximately 3300 ft.The weather ranges about 95 to 105 deg. in the Summer and 30 to 60 deg. in the Winter. Mostly dry with an average annual rainfall of 3 to 10 inches of rain.

Dolan Springs is located in the Center of Chloride, Meadview, White Hills and Golden Valley.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon, home of the "Skywalk" is approximately 45 miles North of Dolan Springs and the main route to the "Skywalk" via Pierce Ferry Rd., through Dolan Springs off U.S. Hwy 93 out of Kingman, Az going North or Las Vegas, NV going South. Only 1 mile off Hwy 93.

In addition: The Taylor Mountain Adventure in Dolan Springs is an exciting experience for 4 wheeling adventures.

Hundreds of people travel through Dolan Springs daily, by over 60+ Tour Buses and hundreds of private cars to visit the "Skywalk" and return through Dolan Springs to exit.

The Hoover Dam and the new "By-pass Bridge" are 42 miles North of Pierce Ferry Rd. at Dolan Springs. The new 4 lane bridge and U.S. Hwy 93 is now open, making the travel time to and from Las Vegas, NV approximately 45 to 50 minutes.(Future plans call for a Cloverleaf at U.S. 93 and Pierce Ferry Rd., with access roads on both sides of the highway. Time frame as yet undetermined).

The Dolan Springs Chamber of Commerce is working to encourage enterprise growth to the community. They are sponsoring a community wide facelift to existing structures with an Early Western motif. Their website offers many interesting features:

Visit them at:http://www.dolanspringschamberofcommerce.com

There are golden opportunities in Dolan Springs for the following enterprises:Service stations with mini mart, Fast food resturants,Fine Dining, Pharmacy, Hotel/Motel, Dude ranch etc.

These enterprises will flurish due to the huge volume of traffic now flowing through Dolan Springs every day, The past average daily traffic count is 2986 vehicles, think what means if you owned a business on this road. Plus 60+ Tour Buses too!

We at: www.land4salebyowner.org have very desirable commercial properties (2.5 to 18 acres) on Pierce Ferry Rd (main road to and from the "Skywalk").

In addition we offer residential properties. Low down payments (From $100.00 down).Low monthly payment (As low as $125.00 month).Low interest rates (8%)NO CREDIT CHECK! NO PREPAYMENT penalty.Let us create for you, your own monthly payment plan tailored to your needs.

HUGH DISCOUNTS FOR CASH!

When the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge opens to traffic later this week, it is expected to become an instant tourist attraction while providing a quicker, safer drive between Phoenix and Las Vegas.

The Hoover Dam bypass bridge is a study in superlatives:

•The highest and longest arched concrete bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

•The second-highest bridge of any kind in the United States and 14th in the world.

•The world's tallest concrete columns of their kind.

But what sets the bridge apart most of all is the setting.

The New four-lane highway has been completed.

Making the commute from Dolan Springs, AZ to Las Vegas, easier!

Those traveling through the project limits will also notice the progress on the nation's first wildlife crossing bridges at mile markers 3.3, 5.1 and 12.2.

It is perched 890 feet above the turquoise Colorado River, wedged between rock cliffs that form Black Canyon, with commanding views of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.

HOOVER DAM BYPASS: Photos, videos and animation about the bridgeThe four-lane bridge near Boulder City, Nev., was dedicated Thursday, just two weeks after the 75th anniversary of the dam's opening ceremony. It's a bridge whose future seemed always to be in doubt.

The first study recommending a bypass was written in 1968, and over the years, 27 more studies followed. Yet it wasn't until March 2001 that the Federal Highway Administration approved the plan.

Full funding would materialize only after Arizona, Nevada and various federal agencies agreed to split the cost. The deal hinged on the states lending part of the money, knowing complete funding was years off.

Victor Mendez took over as director of the Arizona Department of Transportation in 2001 and faced the difficult task of drumming up support for the state's contribution. "Clearly, in my mind, I felt we were going to build this project," said Mendez, who now runs the Federal Highway Administration.

The terrorist attacks in September of that year quickly made it clear that Hoover Dam wasn't just a traffic bottleneck and safety hazard but also a target. Commercial traffic was immediately banned from U.S. 93 across Hoover Dam, forcing a 75-mile detour. The urgency to build the bridge accelerated.Work on the $114 million bridge started on Valentine's Day 2005.The bridge and the new stretches of U.S. 93 leading to it will open to traffic this week. Combined, the projects came in within the $240 million budget.

Congress had designated the name of the bridge in a 2004 transportation bill. It honors two people from the states that the bridge connects. Pat Tillman is the Arizona Cardinals linebacker who joined the U.S. Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and was killed by friendly fire during combat in Afghanistan. Mike O'Callaghan was a two-term Nevada governor and decorated Korean War veteran.

Studies showed a motorist will save an average of 45 minutes traveling from Dolan Springs to Bouilder City, when crossing the dam. On busy holiday weekends, the time savings could be more because the bridge eliminates tourist travel congestion and security checkpoints that have caused two-hour delays at the dam.For Mendez, the project is a model and an advertisement to lawmakers reluctant to spend more money on public works.

"This bridge is a unique accomplishment for the nation," he said. "This is the kind of smarts and attitude we need to bring more of these projects in and put more people back to work."As the bridge rose, the 1,200 workers and 300 engineers on the project found inspiration a quarter-mile upstream.

Send us an email and we will send you construction photos. Never been published.

From the Chamber of Commerce

Mt. Tipton school topic of upcoming town hall meetings

DOLAN SPRINGS

The future of Mt. Tipton School in Dolan Springs will be the subject of two special town hall meetings on Thursday. Members of the Kingman Unified School District and school board will be in attendance to listen to parents and community members about what they want for their children's education and their expectations for the school.

Mt. Tipton currently provides education for approximately 300 students from Meadview, White Hills, Chloride and Dolan Springs, serving grades,K-12.

Amvets Holiday weekends - FREE COFFEE - Rest Stop

Much thanks to AMVETS for this FREE service to all.

OBSERVE OUR SPEED LIMITS

Speed Traps in Dolan Springs, AZ

OPEN RANGE ON THE ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

This question is frequently asked by motorists involved in automobile accidents with livestock on a roadway, or by owners of private land in rural subdivisions whose ornamental plants are eaten by livestock from adjoining State Trust grazing land.

The answer is not easily found. The Arizona Department of Agriculture's Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 3, Article 8 (No-Fence Districts), contains nine separate statutes that comprise the open range laws of the State. A motorist who has been involved in an accident and wants to know if a particular location is "open range" should contact the County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is the entity that has the authority to designate No-Fence Districts. If an area is not within a No-Fence District, it is open range. The Board of Supervisors keeps the records for such designations. (ARS 3-1421-1422)

The landowner who is concerned with livestock damaging plants and other private property, has an obligation to fence his/her private land with a lawful fence to keep animals out. Having a lawful fence is necessary in any action to recover damages due to trespassing animals. (ARS 3-1427)

The length of Pierce Ferry Rd. is considered "open range". This means that cattle are able to roam freely, which includes crossing roads. Please drive with caution, especially at night.

Great Place to retire, with plenty of Fishing within 45 miles of Dolan Springs

Safety Tip could save your life or even prevent a rape.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across.. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him.. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

Please pass this on even IF you've read it before. It's a reminder.

South Cove - Lake Mead near meadview. By Steve Blair!

The next three photos are of Willow Beach on the Colorado River.

Both places are located within 45 miles of Dolan Springs, and great fishing for those inclined.

There is some beach area for swimming too.

Our Thanks to Steve Blair for his photos of the area.

Willow Beach, AZ on the Colorado River. 45 Miles from Dolan Springs. By Steve Blair!

Willow Beach, AZ On the Colorado River Great Fishing! By Steve Blair!

Great retirement place, where the Grand Kids can enjoy too!

Take a video tour of site sell!