PHOENIX, AZ (July 24, 2024) – During a formal meeting earlier today, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved more than $130,000 in funding for the East Valley Dark Sky Discovery Center, trail improvements, early childhood education training and heat protection initiatives.
“Over the past few years, the East Valley has experienced significant growth and development, with no signs of slowing anytime soon,” said Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin, who represents District 2 on the County Board of Supervisors. “To support this continued expansion, Maricopa County is intentionally investing in projects that allow residents and their families to learn about the natural world, enjoy outdoor spaces, advance their education, advance their careers and live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
The bulk of the committee's investment will go toward the International Dark-Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, which educates Maricopa County residents about the importance of dark skies to humans, animals and plants, and about $100,000 will be used to host hands-on exhibits and camps for school-age children and subsidize admission fees for residents of all ages.
“We are incredibly grateful to Superintendent Galvin and the Board of Trustees for recognizing the importance of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center's STEM education and dark sky preservation mission. Our residents will have an incredible experience at this unique facility, which features the largest telescope in the Phoenix area, a planetarium and more,” said Discovery Center President Joe Bill.
The commission also approved $10,000 for signage improvements to the Haws Trail System in Tonto National Forest. The funds will be used to install three new signs at trailheads to welcome the public, install new signs at newly created trail junctions and maintain existing signage throughout the trail system.
“The Haws Trail Alliance was formed to help build, maintain and enhance the Haws Trail system so that it can be enjoyed by bikers, hikers and all outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come,” said Grant Taylor, co-founder of the Haws Trail Alliance. “We hope that this new and improved signage will make Maricopa County residents and visitors safer and more informed as they explore this beautiful trail system.”
From an education perspective, Maricopa County recognizes the importance of early education training in preparing students to succeed in the highly skilled workplace of the future, which is why $8,000 is being invested in early education training curriculum, supplemental resources and support materials for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa.
“EVIT is grateful for this generous donation to our early childhood education programs,” said Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson. “This funding will help ensure our students have access to the resources and materials they need for their training. We thank Superintendent Galvin and the Board of Trustees for recognizing the importance of early childhood education.”
The board also funds the purchase of critical heat protection supplies, including portable evaporative coolers, cooling vests and durable medical equipment, for seniors and individuals with disabilities enrolled in Maricopa County Social Services’ Senior and Adult Services Program.
“We have a growing population of residents over the age of 50 who are especially affected by the relentless summer heat,” said Jason Matthews, Interim Director of Maricopa County's Department of Social Services. “Many of them live on fixed incomes and can't afford the costs associated with maintaining, repairing or replacing their air conditioning equipment. These fixtures play a critical role in keeping seniors and people with disabilities cool and safe in the event of an HVAC emergency.”
Finally, an additional $3,000 has been allocated to purchase dog shoes and leashes for heat stroke centers as part of ongoing efforts to keep pets cool and safe during the humid summer months.
These projects are funded using Maricopa County Community Solutions Funding allocated by Vice Chairman Galvin. The Commission's Community Solutions Funding is designed to help advance Maricopa County's strategic goals and provide a tangible public benefit to Maricopa County residents.
