New Planned Construction Projects in Apache County

Here are some construction projects planned in Apache County, Arizona:

• Lava Run Project
• This project aims to bring renewable energy to Apache County by installing 500-megawatt wind fields and a 450-megawatt solar initiative. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2027 and is expected to provide power for over 190,000 Arizona homes each year.

Lava Run Wind Project Area

The Lava Run Wind Project will be located entirely on State-owned land currently managed for cattle grazing. The area of study shown on the map (right) will be shrink-wrapped around the project design; it is anticipated that project infrastructure will occupy a total of approximately 500 acres. Given the minimal footprint associated with wind energy projects, grazing is a compatible land use that may continue throughout project operations.

Lava Run Solar Project Area

The Lava Run Solar Project will be located entirely on State-owned land currently managed for cattle grazing, and it is anticipated that project infrastructure will be located on approximately 3,760 acres. The project developers have been in close coordination with the grazing lessee within the project area.

The Arizona State Land Department has a statutory mandate to maximize the revenue generated through the use and lease of state land for the State Land Trust Beneficiaries, which are primarily state public schools and universities. Combined, the Lava Run Wind & Solar projects will pay over $100 million to the ASLD over their estimated 35-year useful life, which will go towards K-12 public education, agricultural and mechanical colleges, and the University of Arizona School of Mining and Mineral Resources among others.

Source: https://www.lavarunprojects.com/

Construction projects in Apache County, Arizona:

• State Route 88 (Apache Trail)

In October 2023, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) completed a study that recommended $33.7 million in improvements to make the road more accessible and resilient to severe weather. These improvements include chip sealing, widening the roadway, increasing drainage capacity, and adding safety enhancements.

• Stanford Road

In March 2023, Apache County Engineer Ferrin Crosby announced that preparations for improvements on the first two miles of Stanford Road would start around May. The road is located near the junction of Arizona Highway 61 and U.S. 60.

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

The forest is developing a proposal to add a gate and fence to increase security at the Black Mesa District Office and restrict access at the employee housing facility.

• Property Reuse and Revitalization Program

In 2021, Apache County and a coalition of cities were awarded a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to transform underutilized properties into assets that revitalize the community.