An end is in sight for Ina construction projects

This is a Manager’s Message from Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta that originally ran in the Marana News/Foothills News.

There has been increased construction activity on Ina Road lately, but the benefits will far outweigh the costs once the dust clears and the Ina interchange opens back up in early 2019. Until then, there’s much to be excited for and much to still see from area businesses as we head into the holiday shopping season.

When complete, the project will ease congestion near Interstate-10 and the Union Pacific railroad, diverting traffic onto the bridge and over the interstate and tracks. The Town of Marana is also making a number of improvements to the area, including resurfacing Ina Road and arterial streets with new pavement and improving the landscaping, sidewalks, and lighting around the area. Project Ina will result in a safer and more attractive corridor, and will be more accessible for those with special needs thanks to new sidewalks with ADA ramps.  

We are entering the home stretch of the project, and area businesses need support more than ever as we begin the holiday season.

While many of the businesses in the area have seen only the smallest of impacts since the construction began, others are struggling to make through the final months. Even with moving dirt and construction vehicles, Ina Road is still open for business.

There are great places to eat, drink, and shop during the holiday season. You can go bowling and take a gymnastics class. There are hardware stores, tire stores, and auto mechanics for your various maintenance projects. Want to start your morning right? Enjoy one of several breakfast options. From a nice sit-down brunch to handcrafted sweet rolls or breakfast burritos, you can even just grab a box of dozen donuts for the office.

Even with the combined efforts of Town of Marana, Arizona Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Authority, and Marana Chamber of Commerce, businesses can always use additional support from the community. If you take the time to explore the great businesses in the area, we know you’ll be thrilled with what you find.

It’s been a long couple of years of road construction in the area, and we understand the challenges everyone has felt with the traffic delays. However, when this project is completed early next year, Ina Road will become a real commercial destination with easy access from the freeway and brand-new road surfaces to drive on.

We are very excited for the completion of the project and have already started the planning stages for how we will celebrate. The Town of Marana will be partnering with area businesses and the Marana Chamber for a grand opening celebration that will be open to the public.

In the meantime, Ina Road is still open and we encourage you to support your local economy and Shop Ina. You will be glad you did.

Jamsheed Mehta is the Marana Town Manager

Things to do in Marana in December and beyond

The holidays are almost upon us, but there are still some fun and productive activities around Marana over the next month or so. There are ways to have family holiday fun, get rid of old/unwanted electronics, and kick off your New Year’s fitness goals in style.

Download the 2019 Events Program and Engagement Opportunities Book, and learn how you can be involved in Marana events as a sponsor, vendor, entertainer, and more.

Click to download.

On The Horizon

Mar 15-17 - Marana Blue Grass Festival
Apr 6 - Free Music In Marana: Caiden Brewer
Apr 27-28 - Camping Under the Stars/Free Movie in Marana

Mayor's Message: Promises made, promises kept

This Mayor’s Message originally ran in the Marana News/Explorer News.

Construction of the new Marana Police Facility has reached completion at the Marana Municipal Complex, and last month celebrated its grand opening. This project is a perfect example of local government delivering exactly what was promised to the constituents. This new police facility was built debt-free thanks to a temporary half cent sales tax that will be repealed on January 1, 2019.

Our police department and community can now welcome a state-of-the-art facility that will further support our Marana Police Department’s mission of unparalled service, unwavering protection and uncompromised integrity.

The increase went into effect with full community support on July 2015 after nearly a year of public outreach and research. Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema, senior staff, and Town Council members met with local residents and business leaders to garner the necessary support to build the project, including public meetings, direct business outreach, media interviews, survey cards, and open houses to show the need for the new facility. As Marana continues to grow and our police department expands, the existing facilities within the Marana Municipal Complex and at the Marana Operation Center were no longer meeting the safety needs of a responsive law enforcement agency.

Marana residents and businesses overwhelmingly supported the project and the use of a temporary sales tax increase as its funding source. They trusted us to implement and repeal the tax, as well as to use the money for what we said it was for. We did just that. In December we will collect the final portion of the $18,000,000 needed to build the police facility, and Marana Town Council has already instructed Town staff to lower the sales tax at the start of the new year. Per the original resolution, every dime raised went into a fund to pay specifically for the facility, including design, construction, and furniture. 

Our citizens and business leaders supported the project because of the great relationship our police department has forged with the community. The Marana Police Department has earned the trust and respect of Marana and the public was all too happy to endorse the project.

We made a promise to the people of Marana, and we kept that promise. With this new facility, you can be rest assured that our Marana Police Department will continue to provide great service to the community, and is now equipped to keep Marana safe as our Town moves into the future.  

Ed Honea is the Mayor of the Town of Marana

Go Full Steam This Spring

Where did the fall go? It seemed like just yesterday the Marana Parks and Recreation staff were gearing up for a busy fall after a very busy summer. Now we are excited to “Go Full Steam Into Spring.”

In November we held our first Art Expo at the Marana Community Center, and it was so successful we are bringing it back. This time we are going to feature some of the amazing student artists who live in the town. 

Marana continues to be a certification destination as we once again partner with the American Red Cross to provide first aid, lifeguarding, and babysitting classes.

You want races? We’ve got races. Kick off the New Year with the Egg Nog Jog. Like to hike? Then the M.O.V.E. Across 2 Ranges Hike Challenge is something you’ll need to check out. In March we present our Cape Chase Adventure Fun Run, which is an inclusive superhero themed event for everyone. We’ll again celebrate Mother’s Day with our annual 5K and Fun Run, while those who like to mountain bike will have to check out the Marana Meltdown, a mountain bike timed trial on the Tortolita Preserve Trailhead. 

Have kids that love the outdoors, but want something more mentally stimulating? We’ve created our Nature To You Garden Education Series at the Marana Heritage River Park. Those who want to be inspired artistically may want to take in one of our Paint Nights in the Park. 

Pickleball continues to be one of our most popular sports and we’ll have leagues all spring. The first one runs from Feb-April, while the second runs from April until late June.

We’ll also continue to offer Coed Softball League, open gym for volleyball and basketball, and two sessions for Adult Tennis Lessons.

For the kids, there are also tennis lessons, basketball and football clinics, Pee Wee Soccer in north and south Marana, another speed and agility clinic, another Itty Bitty Open Tot Golf outing, and a brand new Mini Me – Sports Edition. 

This spring we partner with Northwest Medical Center to provide health seminars. Other new programs include Tots & Me Story Art Class, STREAM Afterschool Club, Park & Stroll – Playground Explorer Club, and kids and teens Marana Police Academies. Of course all of your favorite classes, concerts, and activities will also be available.

As you can see, there is so much to do, so please “Go Full Steam” this Spring with Marana Parks and Recreation

Jim Conroy, Marana Parks and Recreation Director

December 8 Dispose-A-Med

The Dispose-A-Med event that will be taking place Saturday, December 8 , 2018 at Fry's Food & Drug Store located at 7870 N. Silverbell Road, from 10am-Noon.

The Marana Police Department, in partnership with the Marana-Foothills Optimist Club, Marana Prevention Alliance, and Vistoso Funeral Home, encourage citizens, businesses and schools to join us in sharing information about drug awareness and preventive measures.

The Police Department provides this opportunity for the proper disposal of unused and/or expired prescription drugs. Prescription and over-the-counter tablets and capsules will be collected. For safety and confidentiality reasons, any items turned over for collection cannot be returned. We cannot accept drugs from commercial organizations. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

THE MARANA POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW OF A CHANGE WHEN IT COMES TO THIS EVENT. SYRINGES, CREAMS OR LOTIONS WILL NO LONGER BE COLLECTED. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

Traffic shift for westbound Interstate 10 near Ina Road on Dec. 8

Lane closures, traffic shift set for westbound Interstate 10 near Ina Road on Dec. 8

Motorists on westbound Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect overnight lane closures and lane shifts the night of Saturday, Dec. 8.

Crews will shift all westbound traffic to the newly-paved lanes between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following morning.

During those hours, westbound I-10 will be reduced to a single lane while crews move temporary barriers and place new striping.

In addition, the ramp from Orange Grove Road to westbound I-10 will close from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. to help facilitate the traffic shift. Drivers should enter westbound I-10 using Sunset or Cortaro roads during the overnight hours.

All ramps between I-10 and Ina Road will remain closed following the traffic shift.

The current schedule shows the I-10/Ina Road interchange beginning to open in March, with the entire project wrapping up in June.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Marana Town Talk Episode 5 Special Edition: Marana Water

Town of Marana has released its fifth episode of "Marana Town Talk", a new government podcast that balances education and entertainment with thoughtful commentary on local current events. This special edition episode focuses on water quality in Marana Water.

Communications Manager Vic Hathaway and Communications Specialist Brad Allis kick off the episode with a brief summary of Marana Water quality before sitting down with Water Director John Kmiec to talk about next steps for the Picture Rocks and Airline/Lambert water treatment campus capital projects.

AUDIO

• Correction at 11:30: Adonis neighborhood is south of Grier Road

Additional Resources

Town Council approved Resolution No. 2018-091 on Tuesday, September 25 authorizing the creation of the Picture Rocks water treatment campus capital project and the Airline/Lambert water treatment campus capital projects. View the proposed project timeline here.

Learn more about unregulated compounds and Marana Water quality.

Visit the Project Water capital project page.

Tangerine Phase I officially complete

The Town of Marana, the Town of Oro Valley and Pima County, along with the Psomas design team and contractor Tangerine Corridor Constructors (TCC) - a Granite Construction/Borderland Construction joint venture, are pleased to announce the completion of Phase I of the Tangerine Corridor Project.

The completion of the five-mile segment of Tangerine Road from Dove Mountain Boulevard/Twin Peaks Road to La Cañada Drive was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 21, 2018.

The newly constructed roadway has delivered to the public:

• A four-lane roadway with landscaped medians 

• The elimination of dip crossings and upgraded culverts to provide 100-year flood access

• Pedestrian and bicycle facilities

• The installation of additional turn lanes and signalization at key intersections

• Wildlife linkages for wildlife corridors along this stretch of roadway

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your constant support and patience while we worked to complete this project. It did not go unnoticed.

Marana Holiday Festival cancelled, encore tree lighting viewable Dec 2- Dec 31

Due to the November 29 rain and inclement weather, Marana Holiday Festival is unfortunately cancelled. Town staff worked hard to try to save the event, but most of the parking lots and entertainment zones are on saturated grounds and cannot accommodate foot and vehicle traffic for the thousands of people anticipated to attend the event.

The public is still invited to enjoy encore presentations of the Christmas Tree light show every night Dec 2 - Dec 31 located at the Marana Municipal Complex (11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, AZ 85653) at the following times:

Mon - Thurs / 7:00 P.M.

Fri - Sun / 6 & 7:00 P.M.

For event information, visit www.MaranaEvents.com

Marana Reclamation Facility and Recharge Project Grand Opening ceremony

Marana Water Director John Kmiec speaks at the grand opening ceremony.

On Tuesday, November 27, Marana Water held the Marana Reclamation Facility and Recharge Project Grand Opening ceremony. The facility opened earlier this fall and is the culmination of two years of hard work by Marana Water staff.

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“This celebration has been a long time coming for the Town,” said Marana Water and Reclamation Director John Kmiec.  “For over ten years the Town has embarked on this journey [to control] its own destiny as far as water resource management.”

The new wastewater facility can treat triple its previous capacity, equating to a total of 1.5 million gallons per day. Marana can now handle up to 10,000 new homes or businesses coming into the area.

“Our day here is about the future,” Kmiec said. It is about the future of the Town of Marana, in particular the north part of Marana where we have these water resources. “Where we are the wastewater provider for the community, and throughout the whole Marana Water system that will be benefitting from the resources that will be managed out of this facility.”

The new facility uses a process known as conventional activated sludge treatment. The process uses bacteria and biological matter to break down waste and help purify the water. The facility utilizes two separate treatment trains that can treat up to 750,000 gallons per day each. The two treatment trains also allow for redundancy should maintenance be required. This expansion was designed to allow further expansion with room for additional basins, which was another reason that Council selected this process.  

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In addition to making improvements on the facility, Town Council decided to enter the sewer business to enhance Marana’s water portfolio. The recharge facility is able to recharge 100 percent of the effluent from the new water reclamation facility. Marana will receive recharge credits for 100 percent of the water stored in the facility from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. These credits allow the town to provide safe, reliable and sustainable resources for its customers.

“For a successful community in the state of Arizona to be enduring…we have to have proper resource management of our local water supplies,” said Kmiec. “It is critical, and that is what today is about.”

Marana took over the previous facility from Pima County in 2012 with the ability to treat 500,000 gallons per day. The Town Council voted to fund the expansion in 2016, and the project went on line two years later this June. 

“This celebration has been a long time coming for the town,” Kmiec said. “For over 10 years the Town has embarked on this journey of its own destiny.”

Marana Mayor Ed Honea spoke at the ceremony and reminded everyone that Marana incorporated in large part as a way for area residents to control their ground water, so it was only fitting that the plant will help Marana continue to grow.  

“We’ve come a long way and we have a wonderful staff and I am proud of all of them,” Honea said.

KVOA TV came out and did a nice feature on the facility and what it means to Marana:

Make Marana 2040: Second round of workshops seek input from the public

Building a town or city isn’t just an idea. Be a part of building your own community with the Town of Marana General Plan 2040. 

Town of Marana is hosting the second round of Marana 2040 General Plan public workshops on December 12 at Marana Municipal Complex and on December 13 at Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library. Attendance is not required for both nights. Participants can choose between the two options to attend.

For the second round of workshops, attendees will have the opportunity to provide their input on future growth and development in Marana through interactive scenario planning and transportation planning exercises.

Interested in seeing the results of the first workshop and survey? Click here.

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Traffic Alert: Coachline Blvd & Twin Peaks

COACHLINE BLVD RECONSTRUCTION and PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS

START DATE: 11/26/2018                                       END DATE: 5/31/2019

Sunland Asphalt & Construction, Inc., in conjunction with The Town of Marana, will be performing road construction including concrete pavement in low water areas, milling, paving, striping, ADA ramp removal and replacement on streets and sidewalks.

During the milling and paving operations, heavy equipment and large trucks will be present. There may be some driveway access restrictions while crews are working in front of homes. Pedestrians may experience short duration sidewalk closures while we upgrade the crossing ramps and add pedestrian crossing signals. Any cars left in the area of construction will be towed at owner’s expense. For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Another successful Marana Segment of El Tour de Tucson

Over 1,000 cyclists and their supporters showed up at Heritage River Park on Saturday, November 17 for the 25-Mile Marana Segment of the El Tour de Tucson Event. It was the third year Marana has hosted their own segment of the race, and the shorter distance has proven to be an attraction for less experienced riders, or those riding with their families.

Marana Parks and Recreation helps to put on the event and believes it helps represents the Town’s strategic goals of Community and Recreation.

“This was an outstanding event,” said Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “It is exciting to see so many people getting out and exercising.”

The Town also believes that the race is not only a great way to get residents to experience the Marana Heritage River Park, but is also a great attraction for people to visit Marana.

“It was a perfect day for our visitors to enjoy Heritage River Park and learn a little more about our great community,” Conroy said.  

The first two years of the event saw the race begin near the playground and splash pad portion of the park. This year the race began in front of the farm portion of the park and actually had riders leaving the area in the opposite direction. The idea was to create more room for the riders and spectators.
 
Marana Parks and Recreation staff worked with Perimeter Bicycling Association of America Inc. (PBAA).staff to organize this event at Heritage Park, while Marana Police Department and Town Traffic Engineering staff did an outstanding job with traffic signage, signals and point control keeping cyclist safe while riding on Marana roads.  

“As always it was a total team effort by Town of Marana staff to execute this exceptional community and fitness event,” Conroy said.

Marana Water Festival teaches students about water conservation

On Thursday, November 15 the Town of Marana participated in the third annual Marana Water Festival at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. The event was put on by Arizona Project Wet and staffed by Marana Water and other Town of Marana employees, as well as Tucson Water and the University of Arizona.

Over 800 Marana Unified School District fourth-graders attended the event and learned about the watershed, water conservation, groundwater, and the water cycle. The idea behind the event, and events like it all over the state, is to give students a greater understanding of where their water comes from and why water conservation is so important. 

“Once they learn about these concepts at the Marana Water Festival, they will take this information home and apply it there,” said Marana Water Director John Kmiec.

Kmiec noted that water conservation is always very important in Southern Arizona, but even more so with drought conditions impacting the Colorado River, from which Marana receives a lot of its water.

The students attended the event in two separate shifts and went through four different stations. Each station focused on a different aspect of the program and allowed the students hands-on activities to reinforce the ideas.

The volunteers at the event went through a training program to aid them in teaching the program’s lessons.

The Marana Water Festival is one of many Arizona Water Festivals. The hope is that they will  instill a deeper understanding of water in the earth system and Arizona’s water resources through a community water festival event, teacher professional development workshop, and extensive volunteer and community involvement.

Interstate 10 lane closures near Ina Road set for Nov. 17

Motorists on Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect overnight lane closures the night of Saturday, Nov. 17.

Westbound I-10 is scheduled to be reduced to a single lane from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. between Orange Grove and Ina roads for paving.

This work is in addition to a previously announced lane closure on westbound I-10 scheduled between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Marana Police Facility Dedication Ceremony

MARANA - The Marana Police Facility has been operational for a few weeks, but on Wednesday, November 14 the Marana Police Department held a formal dedication ceremony in celebration of its completion.

“This building is a tribute to this community’s unwavering support and to the support and teamwork of all the Town’s departments,” said Marana Deputy Chief Ruben Nunez, who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. 

Ground was broken on the $23 million project in June of 2017, but it has been in the works since 2011. Police Chief Terry Rozema said that he saw the need for a new facility prior to accepting the job, and he got the ball rolling for the project shortly after becoming police chief.

Now that the project is complete, the police station is even better than Rozema envisioned.

“I had an idea of what this facility would be like,” said Rozema. “I had this vision of what it was going to be like and how it would work…nothing could have prepared me how amazing this facility is when you actually walk through it.” 

The bulk of the facility was paid for with a temporary half-cent sales tax that will be repealed on January 1, 2019. The tax had the support of the public and the business community.

Marana Mayor Ed Honea spoke on the public outreach process prior to initiating the sales tax. “We went to the Chamber of Commerce, we went to HOA’s, we went to [the businesses]. The Chief lobbied every single person in this town. I think he spoke to all 45,000 people! We said ‘what do you think of the idea of a half-cent sales tax, so that when we build this new police facility we are not going to have a debt for 30 years?’ Everybody seemed to agree with it.”

Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta explained that the Town had a number of options as to where the facility would be build, but in the end placing it in North Marana made the most sense from a growth standpoint, as well as the facility being a perfect complement to the Marana Municipal Complex campus.

Also speaking at the dedication were Project Manager Rick Carr from Abacus, architect Michael Rosso of Architekton, and Todd Steffen, the president of CORE Construction.

Chief Rozema said some people have suggested that the building serves as his legacy, but he disagreed with that.

“I really hope that is not my legacy,” Rozema said. “I did not become a cop to build buildings. I didn’t even become a police chief and come to Marana to build buildings…Our legacy, I hope, is one where we have instilled and implemented a philosophy, an ideology and a culture of policing that transcends time. That we go out and provide a level of service to this community that is un-paralleled. To the extent that this building assists us in doing that, then that is part of the legacy.”

Marana Deputy Chief Ruben Nunez served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The Marana Police Color Guard presents the flags.

Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta.

Marana Mayor Ed Honea.

“Not one phone call, not one e-mail, not one letter, not one complaint in the newspaper, because people of the Town of Marana love our Police Department,” noted Marana Mayor Ed Honea.

Project Manager Rick Carr from Abacus.

Architect Michael Rosso of Architekton.

Architect Michael Rosso of Architekton.

Todd Steffen, President CORE Construction.

Todd Steffen, President CORE Construction.

Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema.

Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema.

“It has been a long journey,” said Marana Police Chief Terry Rozema.

“They do such an amazing job giving unparalleled service to our community,” Rozema said of Marana Police Officers.

Cutting the ribbon at the Marana Police Facility Dedication.

Cutting the ribbon at the Marana Police Facility Dedication.

Plan ahead for the 2019 Special Events season

You can now plan ahead for the 2019 special event season! Whether you want to sponsor an event, have a vendor booth at some of the largest gatherings in town, perform in front of an audience of thousands, or just have a good evening with friends and family, we have something for you.

Every year over 40,000 people attend the Town of Marana special events series. It’s easy to see why. Family-friendly venues, local community showcases, free entertainment, and unique attractions make for priceless memories, and those experiences are some of the many reasons why the Marana community has become a destination for new residents, businesses, and visitors.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD the 2019 Marana Events Engagement Opportunities book to learn more.

Vendor and performer calls will be announced leading up to each event. Please follow the Town of Marana on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to the Marana Newsroom to receive notifications.

Physical copies of the books will be distributed from the Town of Marana booth at the Dec 1 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting.

PREVIEW

Interstate 10 lane closures near Ina Road set for Nov. 15 and 20

Motorists on Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect overnight lane closures for road maintenance and bridge work the nights of Thursday, Nov. 15, and Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Work is scheduled in the following locations between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. each night:

• The right lane of both eastbound and westbound I-10 on Thursday, Nov. 15 

• The right two lanes of westbound I-10 on Tuesday, Nov. 20 

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Marana begins grease recycling and collection on Nov. 19

Marana begins grease recycling and collection on Nov. 19

The Town of Marana is doing their part to protect the local sewer systems by once again hosting a Holiday Season grease collection and recycling event. 

Just a little bit of cooking grease, if poured down the drain, can clog pipes, cause sewage to back up, and lead to costly repair bills.

The Town will collect grease beginning on Monday, November 19 at the Marana Water Operations Yard at 12775 N. Sanders Road. The collection will conclude on Friday, January 4.

The collected grease will be recycled into biodiesel.

Town staff participate in Southern Arizona Construction Career Days

The Town of Marana was well represented at the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days earlier this week. Marana Water staff, engineers and Traffic Technicians from Public Works were on site on Wednesday, November 7 and Thursday, November 8 at the Pima County Rodeo Grounds.

Southern Arizona Construction Career Days is an annual event to introduce students to careers in and related to the construction industry. Area high school and middle school students attended. 

The event began six years ago, and has grown. This year 1,880 students from at least 65 schools attended The students came from as far away as f Rio Ricco, Bisbee, Safford and Globe, as well as the Tucson area.

Vendors, including the team from Marana, were able to share their stories about their experiences in the construction industry, as well as introduce students to new careers in construction that they previously were not exposed to.

According to Public Works Deputy Director Fausto Burruel, there are a number of careers in the construction industry that are struggling to find qualified applicants and exposure to these careers are a great way to spark enthusiasm in young people who will be joining the workforce in a few years.

Vendors not only spoke to students and answered their questions, but many had hands on activities that brought the information they were presenting to life.