Desert Messenger

March 18, 2020 www.DesertMessenger.com 17 La Paz County new solar agreement READER'S OASIS BOOKS 690 E. Main - Quartzsite (one block east of Family Dollar) March 16, 2020- La Paz County, in partnership with a world-re- nowned solar development fi rm, announced today an Economic Development Agreement for 4,000 acres of land as a Solar En- ergy site that will produce up to 850 Megawatts of energy benefi t- ing the County and the nation. This major success is the culmina- tion of over four years of effort by the County. This effort would not have been possible without the di- rect support of the Arizona Con- gressional delegation representing La Paz County, led by U.S. Rep- resentative Paul Gosar, Senator Krysten Sinema and Senator Mar- tha McSally. The development will occur on land being purchased by the County from the Bureau of Land Manage- ment pursuant to federal legisla- tion which directed the sale of over 6,000 acres of federal lands. Pro- ceeds from the sale of the land from BLM to the County will be deposit- ed in a special account established to meet important public conserva- tion objectives in Arizona. "We are grateful to the Arizona delegation and Congress for giving us the opportunity to acquire this land and ensure the future eco- nomic health and wellbeing of La Paz County," said La Paz County Chair, Holly Irwin. "We also ap- preciate the strong support from our solar development partner. This is the fi rst of what we hope will be many solar development sites located in La Paz County and will hopefully generate interest by others supporting the County's economic interests." "Today is a great day for La Paz County," said Representative Go- sar. "Last year, I was thrilled to see my bill, the La Paz County Land Conveyance Act, included in the Lands Package and signed into law. The opportunity for the people of La Paz County created as a result of this land conveyance will bring new economic opportunity, high paying jobs and a brighter future for our state. It is my privilege to represent the people of La Paz County in Con- gress and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and prosper." "We worked for years to get the La Paz County land transfer across the fi nish line, and I am thrilled to see the Bureau of Land Management follow through. This move will spur job creation in La Paz county and protect our public lands for future generations of Arizonans," said Senator Kyrsten Sinema. Senator Martha McSally said, "In a county like La Paz with such a mas- sive federal footprint, sometimes it takes a literal act of Congress to open up opportunities for economic development. I led the effort in the Senate to get the La Paz County Land Conveyance Act passed into law and when federal bureaucracy threatened to delay even further, I pressed BLM to keep their commit- ment to La Paz to complete the pro- cess effi ciently and expeditiously. I applaud the hard work of the County Supervisors, BLM and all the stake- holders involved in this innovative economic development effort." The Quartzsite Museum is OPEN and there is a lot continuing to happen, however our docents will be leaving at the end of March and we will be go- ing to our summer hours of Thursdays 9 am to Noon starting March 30. Our Community Recognition Luncheon is today, Wednesday, March 18 at 11 am at the Quartzsite Senior Center. This is an Inaugural event (sponsored specifi cally by several donors) and intended to be held every year to recognize and honor museum members in three categories: 1. Volunteerism - this year three long-standing members will be recog- nized for their many years of commitment and dedication: Marilyn Mc- Fate, Kay Mooring and Arlea Long 2. Community Leadership – Mayor Norm Simson 3. Distinguished Donor - The Rice Family - Honoring Clarence and Mil- dred Rice for their donation of the property and stage stop adobe build- ing that made the museum possible. We hope the community is joining us in this celebration! The Senior Cen- ter is located at 40 S Moon Mountain Ave. Lunch will be served. The event is FREE for QHS members; $3.00 for non-members at the door We will be announcing the winner and winning motto for the Sundial contest in the next paper, since it will be announced on March 18. We had an exciting fi eld trip year. Our last fi eldtrip of the season was the 14th of March to the Nellie E. Desert Bar. Thank you to everyone who participated in our fi eld trips this year. Our fi rst trip in the Fall will be in November during the Buck Connors Days celebration. Watch for infor- mation in the Desert Messenger! We hope you will consider joining our organization! Membership of $10 for a year is encouraged. As a member you will receive e-mail notices of coming events, have free admission to our fi eld trips and have a vote in decisions being made regarding the Historical Society and Museum, in ad- dition to helping fund the free Museum. Volunteers are always welcome! We are a non-profi t historical society. Visiting the Museum is free, al- though donations are always welcome. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm through March 31. We are located at 161 Main Street (parking in rear). We are next door to Silly Al's. Phone (928)927-5229. E-Mail QHS@TDS.net. Quartzsite Museum news DEADLINE : WED. MARCH 25 TH for the April 1 st edition Desert Messenger News Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com

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