Dewey-Humboldt Firewise : SAVE THE DATE
On Saturday, May 22nd (SAVE THAT DAY!), from 11:00 to 1:00, Mortimer Farms will be hosting a Don’t Get Burned, Dewey-Humboldt Firewise Event that will be chock-full of first-responders and public and private experts that are ready and willing to share their knowledge with you. Come and talk to your firefighters and let them explain how they fight our fires. Learn about an ambulance ride before you need one. Discuss with the Jeep Posse the best way to evacuate from your area. Listen to Emergency Mangement folks explain what an evacuation kit is and what should be in yours. Find out before you need the service where your large animals should be taken and who will assit you in getting them there.
FLYER
Wildfire Prevention is Everyone's Responsibility
Forest Service News Release
Wildfire Prevention is Everyone’s Responsibility
PRESCOTT, AZ – April 16, 2021— The Prescott National Forest wants to remind our visitors about the importance of campfire safety and your part in preventing human-caused wildland fires. Warmer temperatures and spring winds are increasing fire danger across Arizona.
Please be vigilant of the high winds and rising temperatures and avoid using anything with an open flame or a spark. #OneLessSpark
- If mowing grass down, use a string-style trimmer rather than a lawn mower as the blades can strike rock and produce a spark.
- Make sure that your chain saw has a spark arrestor and if welding avoid hot dry and windy days.
- Maintain vehicle brakes, check that your trailer chains are not dragging and that all cigarettes are extinguished in an ashtray.
- Did you know that that shooting of tracer rounds or exploding targets are prohibited on federally managed public land in Arizona? Place your targets on dirt or gravel; and shoot in areas free of dry vegetation and avoid windy days. Before you leave, inspect your target areas for signs of burning embers/grass.
- Always be prepared - have extra water on hand, a shovel and fire extinguisher.
Campfire safety tips are:
- Bring a small shovel, rake, and buckets of water to drown that fire.
- Don’t start your fire in tall grass – make sure there is bare ground, or a pre-established fire pit.
- Don’t start underneath overhanging trees or brush.
- Don’t start your campfire on a windy day or during a RED FLAG WARNING day.
For information on the Prescott National Forest, check out the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
COVID 19 Update
April 19, 2021 Update
For Immediate Release
Monday, April 19, 2021
For further information, contact: Terri Farneti, Public Health Coordinator 928.442.5596
Over 61,500 Yavapai County Residents Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19
Arizona overall has administered close to 4.5 million doses of vaccine, with over 1.9 million people fully vaccinated. Over 85,000 Yavapai County residents have received at least one dose of vaccine or 36.7% of the population. At this time, first dose appointments can only be made through pharmacies, second dose appointments will continue at the Spectrum Healthcare Vaccine Stations and YRMC points of dispensing (PODs) through May 15th. For a list of pharmacies offering the vaccine, visit the vaccine information page at: https://www.yavapai.us/chs/Home/COVID-19/COVID-19-Vaccine-Appointments.
For assistance with making appointments, call the Yavapai County Phone Bank 928-442-5103.
This Wednesday, April 21, Spectrum will be offering the Moderna vaccine in the Village of Oak Creek, at the Oak Creek Country Club, 690 Bell Rock Blvd. To make an appointment www.spectrumhg.org/VOC or call 928-414-8884. Spectrum Healthcare will continue administering COVID-19 vaccine at their facilities in Prescott, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde when the Vaccination Stations close. Additionally, Spectrum Anywhere Healthcare Teams will continue to mobilize into rural communities, local facilities, and individual homes. The Spectrum PODs days of operations have changed to Saturday/Sunday/Mondays in Prescott Valley, Wednesday/Thursday/Friday in Cottonwood.
YRMC’s POD at the old Sears Building has ended first dose appointments, however 2nd dose appointments will proceed as scheduled. For questions relating to second dose appointments, call 928-708-4556. The YRMC schedule is as follows: April 15th-May 1st (closed Sunday): 2nd dose ONLY by appointment (no 1st dose walk-ins or appointments) 8:00AM - 5:00PM.
Yavapai County reports 16 COVID-19 Cases and 2 Deaths. The county has tested 111,397 residents for COVID-19 with 18,542 positive cases and 496 deaths. Yavapai Regional Medical Center reports 9 COVID-19 patients, VVMC reports 6, and the VA has no COVID-19 patients.
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COVID-19 Cases by County
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Apache
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11,270
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Coconino
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17,500
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Cochise
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11,829
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Graham
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5,531
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Greenlee
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568
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Gila
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6,861
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La Paz
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2,452
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Maricopa
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531,673
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Mohave
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22,426
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Navajo
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16,058
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Pima
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114,294
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Pinal
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50,584
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Santa Cruz
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7,898
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Yavapai
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18,542
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Yuma
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36,987
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New Cases Since Friday
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Apache
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+5
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Coconino
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+48
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Cochise
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+42
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Graham
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+10
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Greenlee
|
+0
|
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Gila
|
+2
|
La Paz
|
+3
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Maricopa
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+1,268
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Mohave
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+36
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Navajo
|
+26
|
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Pima
|
296
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Pinal
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+77
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Santa Cruz
|
+7
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Yavapai
|
+39
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Yuma
|
+30
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| |
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Coconino NF publishes updated Motor Vehicle Use Map for forest travel
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 15, 2021 — The Coconino National Forest has issued a revised Motor Vehicle Use Map the public can use to view all forest roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use.
The MVUM is reissued each year. It is free to the public and can be downloaded for use on smartphones and tablets.
The 2021 version of the MVUM includes new information about the location of campfire and camping restrictions, as well as minor updates to existing information.
Paper copies of the MVUM are available at all Coconino National Forest offices, nearby national forest offices and related businesses in Arizona.
A digital version of the map – made available through Avenza – is an electronic color map that includes all designated motorized routes and hiking trails. It also features shaded relief topography and game management units. The Avenza map works with cellphone GPS, which enables users to see where they are on the map in real-time. Once downloaded, the digital map will work without cellphone coverage. The map and instructions can be accessed on the Coconino National Forest Website.
Forest visitors can also propose changes to motor vehicle access or submit comments regarding the map on the Coconino National Forest website.
Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine Put on Hold
The CDC and FDA released a joint statement recommending a pause in the distribution of the Johnson and Johnson “Janssen” vaccine. See PRESS RELEASE for further details.
Fallen Officers Memorial
YAVAPAI COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOST FIRST ANNUAL FALLEN OFFICERS MEMORIAL
AND UNVEIL BRONZE STATUE PAYING TRIBUTE TO FALLEN OFFICERS.
PRESCOTT, AZ - The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its first annual Yavapai County Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, May 1st, 2021, at 2 pm on the Yavapai County Courthouse plaza. The ceremony will honor the 18 law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty in the history of the county.
An unveiling of the bronze memorial statue will take place during the ceremony. The memorial statute would not be possible without the generous donations from businesses, community groups, and individuals who simply wanted to see that law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in Yavapai County are honored.
“We can’t thank the community enough for their support in making this happen. The people who sacrificed their lives to protect our county should never be forgotten and this memorial will be a way to remember them for generations to come,” said Sheriff David Rhodes.
Retired Sheriff Scott Mascher, who formed the Memorial Committee early last year, will offer remarks along with the bronze artist, Bill Nebeker. An informal gathering time with some introductions will take place at 1 PM. The public is invited or watch the Ceremony live on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Beginning on April 13, 2021, and each day until May 1, the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page will highlight the name, date, and brief circumstance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
FLYER
Dewey-Humboldt Firewise Calendar Contest
Dewey-Humboldt Firewise is holding a K-12 Calendar Contest. Help save people, animals and property! Contest submissions will be accepted from April 5, 2021 - May 5, 2021. More information at d-hfw.com/contest or FB @FirewiseDeweyHumboldt.
See details of contest on attached FLYER.
MATFORCE - Dump the Drugs
Matforce, in association with the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Campaign, is hosting a Dump the Drugs event on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office - Black Canyon Substation (34825 S. Velda Rose Road, Black Canyon City, AZ).
FLYER
VIDEO
Forest Service News Release
Interagency Partners introduce new tool for Fire Restriction Information
PRESCOTT, AZ – April 8, 2021— Interagency public land management partners from Arizona and New Mexico have worked to develop a map-based tool to inform the public about fire restrictions on public lands. Partner agencies, under the Southwest Coordinating Group, have worked to develop a new informational web tool went live Monday, April 5, 2021. The new web tool is designed to provide the public with fire restrictions information for public lands that is easy to find and understand, as well as linking the users to the agencies managing those public lands for more detailed information for trip planning.
Fire restrictions are implemented in an effort to help decrease human-caused fires during periods of high fire potential by restricting activities which are the most common causes of wildfires. By providing a resource with accurate and timely information, the goal is to educate and increase compliance, therefore reducing preventable human-caused fires.
Partner agencies in this effort include National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and the New Mexico Forestry Division.
Fire restrictions can be found by visiting any of the following locations:
- In Arizona, the fire restriction information web tool can be found by visiting: wildlandfire.az.gov
- In New Mexico, the fire restriction information web tool can be found by visiting: NMFireInfo.com
Do your part in keeping our residents, property, and wildlands safe from unwanted, human- caused fires; know before you go!
For information on the Prescott National Forest, check out the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
FLYER
Yavapai County Community Health Services COVID-19 Vaccination
The Board of Supervisors encourage you to take advantage of the COVID-19 Vaccines being offered in your community by Yavapai County Community Health Services. Please see flyer for location information. FLYER
Proposition 202 Funding Recipients
Supervisor Gregory would like to congratulate the following recipients of Proposition 202 funding from the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
Beaver Creek School District - received $2,000. Pictured below are Superintendent Karin Ward and Supervisor James Gregory
Beaver Creek Transit - received $2,930. Pictured below are Janet Aniol and Supervisor James Gregory.
Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District - received $2,500. Pictured below are Chief Terry Keller and Supervisor James Gregory.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Meetings Now Open to In-Person Attendance
On Thursday, March 25, 2021, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced that because Arizona has seen 10 weeks of declining positive Covid-19 test results, with hospitalizations at their lowest levels in months, business guidelines would transition from requirements to recommendations.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown decided today that because we have seen such positive indications that the Covid-19 Virus is on the decline in our communities that it was time to reopen the Board of Supervisors meetings to the public. Chairman Brown said, “Starting Monday March 29, we will open our public meetings back up to in-person attendance. We will still require masks and physical distancing in County public buildings, but we look forward to seeing people in our meetings once again, and not just on the screen.”
Chairman Brown went on to explain that this is a very important time, “Yavapai County must continue to do the things we know are succeeding in the fight against Covid. Washing your hands and staying home when you are sick, are the actions that will keep us in this positive trajectory.” Chairman Brown also encourages everyone that can get the Covid Vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Yavapai County Community Health Services Director Leslie Horton said, “There are lots of appointments available on both sides of the mountain. If you are in the first three priority groups, now is the time to get your vaccine, before we open appointments up to anyone 18 or older, which we will do on Monday (3/29/2021).”
Governor Ducey’s announcement today also stated that restrictions on organized public events as outlined in Executive Orders 2020-43 are lifted and will no longer be enforced. Several Executive Orders (2020-09, 2020-36, 2020-40, 2020-43, 2020-47, 2020-52 and 2020-59) have been rescinded. That no county, city, or town may make or issue any order, rule or regulation that conflicts with or is in addition to the policy, directives or intent of this or any other Executive Order relating to the COVID-19 public health emergency, or any other order, rule or regulation that was not in place as of March 11, 2020. And finally, that his order shall expire upon the termination of the Public Health Emergency unless amended.
The full text for from the Governor’s announcement can be found here: https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2021/03/arizona-hits-3-million-vaccine-doses-administered-governor-ducey-announces-new
PRESS RELEASE
Recreation Sites on the Prescott NF – What’s Open/What’s Closed
News Release
Recreation Sites on the Prescott NF – What’s Open/What’s Closed
PRESCOTT, AZ, March 19, 2021 –The Prescott National Forest will begin opening family campgrounds across the Forest on Thursday, April 1. Several developed recreation sites will remain closed to protect public health and safety and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Developed recreation sites open:
- White Spar Campground
- Powell Springs Campground
- Yavapai Campground
- Alto Pit OHV Campground
- Hayfield Draw OHV Day-Use Area (September 1 through May 31)
- Granite Basin Recreation Day-Use Area
- Lynx Lake Recreation Day-Use Area
- Thumb Butte Recreation Day-Use Area
- Mingus Mountain Recreation Day-Use Area
- Sycamore Cabin (available Thursday-Sunday, with a 2 night minimum stay)
Developed recreation sites that open April 1:
- Hilltop Campground
- Lynx Lake Campground
Developed Recreation sites that open May 1:
- Potato Patch Campground
- Mingus Mountain Campground
- Groom Creek Horse Camp
Developed recreation sites that will remain closed:
- Group Campgrounds - Eagle Ridge, Playground, Turney Gulch and Upper Wolf Creek
- Group Day-use Sites - Thumb Butte Group Picnic Site, Groom Creek Schoolhouse Group Day-Use and Nature Trail, Spruce Mountain Picnic Area
- Family Campgrounds - Hazlett Hollow, Lower Wolf Creek
- Cabin Rentals – Horsethief Basin Cabin
Most developed campgrounds on the Prescott NF accept reservations, with a few sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. Reservations for group sites for the 2021 season are not being accepted at this time.
If you are planning to visit the Prescott NF, please remember to:
- Be a good steward and recreate responsibly.
- Avoid crowded areas to maintain social distancing and limit group size.
- Park only in designated areas. Do not impede emergency access by blocking roadways, fire lanes or driveways.
- Follow “Leave No Trace” principles, including “pack it in, pack it out” with your trash, to avoid creating a public health hazard for forest visitors and employees.
- Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.
Visitors can obtain additional information by visiting the Prescott National Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/ or by following us on Facebook or Twitter.
News Release | Closure Order Attached | Restricted Areas
Library District Branches Ease Restrictions
No Appointment Necessary Starting March 15
Fourteen District Libraries will expand service beginning Monday, March 15th. Patrons will be able to visit their community branch libraries without having to make appointments, once again. Clark Memorial Library in Clarkdale will continue to offer curbside service only until further notice.
To maximize safety, the number of people in the building at one time and some services will still be limited. We recommend all patrons follow CDC guidelines for sanitizing hands and keeping a physical distance of 6 feet. Wearing a mask over nose and mouth is required in the library. Restrooms will remain closed for now.
Computer stations and times will be limited, though meeting rooms will be available for use as long as the total number of people in the library is under the limit. When inside the library, any items patrons handle but don't check out must be left at a re-shelving station to be cleaned before being returned to the shelf. In addition, we are not accepting donations of physical materials [books, DVDs, etc.] at this time.
Curbside pickup service is still available at all District branches for patrons who prefer not to come in to the library or wear a mask.
***Please do not come to the library if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.***
Visit ycfld.org to find your library's hours and contact info. Call your District library with any questions. District branches are located in Ash Fork, Bagdad, Beaver Creek, Black Canyon City, Clarkdale, Congress, Cordes Lakes, Crown King, Dewey-Humboldt, Mayer, Paulden, Seligman, Spring Valley, Wilhoit, and Yarnell.
Annual Free Slash Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 8, 2021
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, working with the Public Works Department, is pleased to announce the continuation of the annual free slash drop-off program at County transfer stations beginning April 1, 2021 through June 1, 2021. County transfer stations are in: Black Canyon City, Congress, Mayer, Paulden, Seligman, and Skull Valley. Free slash drop off will be held during normal operating hours. For locations and hours, please visit:
YAVAPAI COUNTY
CAMP VERDE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING SLASH AT THIS TIME
This free slash drop-off program will assist residents in creating defensible space around their homes and other structures. Cutting away vegetation 5 to 30 feet from all structures and removing all debris and dead vegetation from roofs, decks, and the ground can reduce the potential of a wildfire spreading to your home.
Please take advantage of the free slash drop-off program as you create defensible space around your properties.
Only the following items will be accepted: brush, branches, grass, leaves and yard trimmings. Items not accepted are lumber, stumps, roots, cactus, metal, and garbage. All slash must be removed from plastic bags.
This program is for residential use only. Commercial loads will not be accepted.
When using Yavapai County facilities, please follow the recommended CDC COVID guidelines.
For additional information, please contact the Yavapai County Public Works Department at (928) 771-3183.
FLYER
Yavapai County Administration Offices Open - March 15
On March 15, 2021, following CDC guidelines, the Yavapai County Administration buildings located at 1015 Fair St. Prescott AZ as well as 10 S. 6th Street, Cottonwood AZ, will once again be open to the public.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown said, “It is encouraging to see our positive Covid-19 tests results continue to drop but we must not let our guard down. Anyone wishing to enter a County building will be required to wear a mask and observe the physical distancing policies recommended by the CDC.”
The guidance from the CDC can be found here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html
The directions from the CDC include increased cleaning of items and surfaces that are frequently touched, measures to ensure physical distancing, wearing of face coverings and providing them to the public when needed.
Yavapai County has chosen to continue restricting the Board of Supervisors meetings to staff only for the time being. Anyone wishing to comment on an agenda item can do so by emailing, clerkofboard.web@Yavapai.US.
NACOG - Emergency Home Delivered Meals
Available to those 60 and older who are self-isolating or quarantined due to COVID 19. Call Toll Free: 1-877-521-3500
See attached flyer. |FLYER|
Governor Ducey Announces Rental Assistance Program
News Release
February 9, 2021
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced the Arizona Department of Economic Security will be launching a new Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide financial assistance and housing stability.
“We want to make sure renters in Arizona have the resources and support they need,” said Governor Ducey. “The rental assistance program will keep families and those in need in their homes and help them get back on their feet as we overcome the effects of the pandemic. We will continue to work closely with community and local government partners to efficiently deliver this relief.”
As part of the COVID-19 relief package recently passed by Congress, the U.S. Department of Treasury provided a total of $492 million to the state of Arizona. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) was awarded $289 million with the remaining balance going directly to large cities and counties. Funding will be used toward direct payments for rent, rental arrears, utilities, utility arrears, and other expenses related to housing stability incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DES will serve the following counties:
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Apache
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Cochise
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Coconino
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Gila
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Graham
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Greenlee
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La Paz
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Navajo
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Santa Cruz
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Pinal
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Mohave
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Yavapai
Renters residing in the counties listed above can apply for housing and utilities assistance via the DES portal starting Tuesday, February 23.
Several large counties and cities, including Maricopa County, Pima County and Yuma County, are receiving funding directly from the federal government. Those counties plan to launch their own rental assistance programs, which will be separate from this DES program. The DES portal will also direct renters living in these counties to their local jurisdictions so they can access similar programs.
“Households across the state continue to face economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are pleased to be able to provide this new assistance program alongside the other services we have to offer at DES,” said DES Director Michael Wisehart. “We will work quickly and diligently to provide rental and utility assistance to those in need.”
View Emergency Rental Assistance Program payment details and eligibility requirements.
Individuals in the twelve counties listed above will be able to apply online at des.az.gov/ERAP beginning February 23, 2021. The rental assistance portal will be available online 24/7, and will be mobile-friendly. Applicants can apply and check the status of their application through the portal. It will be available in English and Spanish.
Camping Closure along HWY 260 and Salt Mine Road
2-year temporary closure for areas along Highway 260 and Salt Mine Road. | PRESS RELEASE