Desert Messenger

8 www.DesertMessenger.com June 13, 2018 Desert Messenger MyQuartzsite.com E-EDITION: AZDPS urges drivers to be prepared for summer monsoon season READER'S OASIS BOOKS 690 E. Main - Quartzsite (one block east of Family Dollar) Fast changing weather conditions requires alert and reactive driving Phoenix - A typical Arizona sum- mer monsoon usually starts off with sudden darkened skies fol- lowed by high winds and a heavy quick downpour. If you're on the road when that happens, especially in the rural areas, it's important to know how to react when a monsoon produces a blinding dust storm cre- ating near blackout conditions. Here are a few tips recommended by the Arizona Department of Pub- lic Safety (AZDPS) to coincide with Monsoon Awareness Week. • Wear your seatbelt • Travel at reduced speeds to help avoid hydroplaning once it begins raining • Check traffic around your vehicle and begin to slow down • When safe to do so, completely exit the highway if possible • If you are unable to exit the high- way, pull completely off the paved portion on applicable roadways • Do not wait until poor visability to pull off the roadway • Do not stop in a travel lane or an emergency lane • Turn off all vehicle lights - you don't want others to follow you by using your lights as a guide • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake • Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt buckled • Be patient and wait for the storm to pass Most importantly, if you find your- self in an emergency situation, dial 9-1-1. "With the approach of the summer Monsoon season in Arizona, be- ing prepared is key," said Governor Doug Ducey. "There are simple steps every Arizona driver and passenger should follow, including always wearing your seatbelt. Our Depart- ment of Public Safety provides im- portant guidance for traveling dur- ing dangerous weather conditions." Before setting out check highway and weather conditions by going to Az511.com. For a quick reference to the DPS monsoon/dust storm driv- ing tips go to: www.azdps.gov/safe- ty/travel. Driving a vehicle on state and fed- eral highways demands your full attention. That is even more impor- tant during adverse weather condi- tions. Never drive distracted, never drive impaired, get plenty of rest and slow down! The Arizona Department of Public Safety is a state-level law enforce- ment agency whose mission is to protect human life and property by enforcing state laws, deterring criminal activity and providing vital support to the State of Arizona and its citizens. Town to implement QUEST program Quartzsite- During the May 22nd Quartzsite Town Council meeting, Town Manager Ferguson gave a presentation regarding economic development. The definition of Economic Devel- opment from La Paz Region Fo- cused Future II reads "Economic development is the process that im- proves the area's quality of life while increasing prosperity in a balanced, sustainable manner." Mr. Ferguson explained a lot has already been accomplished: Quartzsite revised their General Plan in 2014 with an Economic De- velopment Element. They also cre- ated a local strategic plan for devel- oping the community, participated in regional economic development planning, contracted with La Paz Economic Development Corp, and established a Town of Quartzsite Economic Development Policy. At the time, it was decided that the Town did not have the resources to run their own economic program, so the Town partnered with La Paz Economic Dev. Corp. However, re- alizing the Town has received mini- mal results from regional economic development, Mr. Ferguson created a new economic development plan. He said it's time to stop being de- pendent on others to take care of us. He asked the council to establish a local team and a program to imple- ment Quartzsite's Economic Sus- tainability Plan. While reviewing the General Plan of 2003, Mr. Ferguson noticed language had been used stating Quartzsite was on a "quest" to build this community into a type of com- munity that would take care of our children and our grandchildren. So he developed an acronym for Quest. QUEST stands for Quartzsite Urban Economy Sustainability Team, "we, as a town working together, public and private sector. He suggested that the following be part of QUEST program: The May- or, the Vice Mayor, representation from the Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism industry, or support- ing organizations related to tourism industry, representatives from the financial and business community, representation from APS and from the educational sector. In addition to creating its own by-laws, the Team would imple- ment an outreach program to ex- isting AND prospective businesses for success in Quartzsite and would maintain an inventory of all infor- mation needed for site selection process. Team members would also serve as Ambassadors in promoting the Town's support for economic growth. Mr. Ferguson stated, "It's time to focus on Quartzsite!" The Council also discussed their dissatisfaction with La Paz Eco- nomic Development Corporation (LPEDC) performance for the Town of Quartzsite. The Council decided it wants to maintain a working re- lationship with LPEDC, however there has been no contract since 2015. Council advised Mr. Ferguson to send a letter to LPEDC stating that it would withhold payment of $7,500 for the current year (2017- 18) for reasons stated in the agree- ment and would advise them that the intent of the governing body would be to make the determina- tion of how much they would be paid, based upon what LPEDC gave them in 90 days. Mr. Ferguson will update the Council of the progress made. For more information, con- tact Town Hall at 928-927-4333.

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