Issue:
COM‐1
AZARNG Site: There is an opportunity for enhanced
communication protocols between AZARNG
Entire JLUS
Project Area and local communities.
There is communication between the AZARNG
and representatives of the local communities
close to AZARNG sites, but there is no formalized
communication process. Additionally, not all
communities engage in the same level of
communication with the AZARNG, which can
negatively impact both the military and the
communities.
Compatibility Assessment
The AZARNG, City of Florence, and Pinal County currently engage in informal
communication protocols to coordinate and share information about activities at FMR
and in the surrounding communities. As such, there are no established memoranda of
agreement or written protocols that delineate communication practices. Increased
training activities at FMR can have impacts on the surrounding community including
noise, vibration, and traffic congestion on nearby roadways.
It has been identified through interviews with AZARNG personnel and local community
staff that there is limited to no formal communication processes between the AZARNG
related to their individual training sites and the closest communities. These include:
Picacho Peak Stagefield and the City of Eloy
Silverbell Army Heliport and the Town of Marana
Rittenhouse Training Site and the Town of Queen Creek
Established communication practices can allow for collaborative training activities on
AZARNG installations. The AZARNG at Florence Military Reservation already coordinates
with several other entities that use the land and facilities on the installation.
A lack of communication protocols can have a number of negative impacts, including
incompatible land development and an uninformed public. Surrounding communities and
their staff may not understand the issues relevant to the National Guard training sites or
when they should be consulted regarding the potential for compatibility issues.
Additionally, the public should be notified of times of training and when there is the
possibility of increased noise or vibration.
5-18
Compatibility Assessment