Governor Jan Brewer

Yuma Quartermaster Depot turned over to city

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[Source: Joyce Lobeck, YumaSun.com 10-28-2009] – A new chapter for the Yuma Quartermaster Depot began Wednesday morning when Gov. Jan Brewer presented the key for the historic park to the city of Yuma. The ceremony launched an agreement to have the city operate the state park temporarily to ensure the historic attraction remains open for residents and visitors alike until the state recovers financially.

The park is seen as a critical element in the city’s efforts to redevelop the riverfront and downtown area, said Charles Flynn, who heads up that effort. He noted the effort began 10 years ago and has involved a tremendous outlay of time, effort and funding, with the state continuously being an important partner. Flynn said efforts to date include the restoration of the East and West Wetlands and opening of the Hilton Garden Inn and companion conference center. Plans ultimately call for residential, retail, dining and entertainment development along the Colorado River [to read the full article click here].

Budget cuts hurting Arizona’s museums; institutions, parks falling into disrepair, forced to close

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[Source: Jim Walsh, Arizona Republic] — Even as Arizona prepares for its centennial in 2012, the state’s history is becoming less and less accessible to the average citizen.  Museums across Arizona are cutting hours, restricting programs, merging or closing altogether in the face of drastic budget problems.  The State Archives, which had been open only two half-days a week, is trying to figure out how to go to a four-day schedule with a diminished staff.

And state parks, many with historical significance, can’t turn enough money at the gate to maintain aging and sometimes-dangerous facilities and stay open.  The impact is significant: In a state where so many people are newcomers, the institutions that can help them connect to their new state’s history are harder to access.  “The more people know about their place, the more likely they are to be good citizens,” said Dan Shilling, an expert in civic tourism and a former executive director of the Arizona Humanities Council.  Museums play an important part in extending that knowledge, Shilling said.  [Note: To read the full article, click here]

All work on Arizona Historic Preservation Grant projects is to stop immediately…

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E-mail memo from Arizona State Parks…

Dear HP Grant Recipients:

Most of you are aware the Arizona State Legislature is in the process of resolving a $1.5 billion dollar budget shortfall for the remainder of fiscal year 2009 and a $3.5 billion dollar shortfall for 2010.  All State Agencies are being hit hard and the affect to State Parks will be crippling.  It appears all of the State Parks administered state funded grant programs will be discontinued until further notice.

All work on Historic Preservation Grant projects is to stop immediately, effective February 1, 2009 (especially if HP Grant funds are critical to the completion of the project).  I need your Grant Reimbursement requests no later than 2/13/09.  Any project expenses incurred after 2/1/09 will not be reimbursed — doing otherwise could jeopardize the entire reimbursement.  Some of you have completed your project, please send the closeout documentation by 2/13/09.

The Governor and the Legislature have already passed a budget.  The State Parks Board is holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday 2/3/09 to determine the fate of the grant programs, existing grants, and State Parks personnel.  Information on the Parks Board Meeting has already been forwarded.

Words cannot express the deep personal sorrow I feel delivering this blow to historic preservation in Arizona.  All of you have demonstrated the passion necessary for preserving Arizona’s history and I know you will find a way to rise above this temporary set back.

The Winner says; “It may be difficult, but is it possible”
The Loser says;  “It may be possible, but is it too difficult”

/signed/