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TheFoothillsFocus.com
INSIDE
This Week
NEWS.................. 4
Election signs must be down by Nov. 23
FEATURES......... 18
Hidden in the Hills returns to the North Valley
YOUTH.............. 21
Inspiration Mountain plans expansion
OPINION.......................9 BUSINESS.................. 14 FEATURES................. 15 YOUTH....................... 21 CLASSIFIEDS............. 22 Zone I
Serving the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills, Norterra, Sonoran Foothills, Stetson Valley, Tramonto, New River, Desert Ridge and North Phoenix
Anthem Area Edition
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
ADOT protecting native plants along I-17 BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
N
ow that construction is officially underway for the I-17 Improvement Project from Anthem Way to Sunset Point, ADOT is working to protect the natural landscape that is part of the scenic corridor. Crews have started removing native vegetation, including saguaros, palo verde trees and ocotillos, along the 23-mile project corridor so it can be cared for and closely monitored during construction, then eventually replanted alongside an
improved wider highway. Drivers who regularly travel I-17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point may see some of the salvage work during the next several months. Plant salvage crews from the Kiewit-Fann Joint Venture developer team will collect hundreds of viable native trees, accents (such as ocotillos and yuccas), saguaros and other cacti. Approximately two-thirds of the right-of-way along the 23-mile project area will remain undisturbed, and no salvaging will be necessary. Viable native plants, trees and cactus-
es to be salvaged will be taken with their native soil to temporary nurseries established specifically for the I-17 Improvement Project. Once a salvaged plant, tree or cactus is transported to the temporary nursery, it will be cared for, carefully monitored and maintained until it can be replanted. “October is usually the prime time for salvaging the plant material, just because our temperature is not too hot and not too cold,” said David Casselbury, a landscape
see ADOT page 4
Anthem showcases safety and readiness
BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
D
espite the rain, Anthem residents attended the Anthem Family Safety Preparedness Night at the Anthem Civic Building on Nov. 2. This first-time event gave attendees the chance to speak and interact with experts in personal, home and business preparedness safety. The open house event began with a welcome from Anthem Community Council Chair Darrin Francom.
see SAFETY page 4
Anthem Community Council Chair Darrin Francom welcomes residents to the Anthem Family Safety Preparedness Night. (Anthem Community Council/Submitted)
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