.
New:  What's that scar running through the canyon?

    A natural gas pipeline was recently installed through the canyon.  This project was in the works for years and was not well publicized, so by the time most of the public learned about the project it was
    too late to do anything about it.  During the course of installing the pipeline, BLM archaeologists
    removed many artifacts from Native American sites that were destroyed by the pipeline construction
    all throughout the canyon.  Many saguaro cacti were also destroyed, as the pipeline company was
    not required to save them.  The pipeline construction offers a taste of the destruction a highway
    would bring to the canyon.  On the positive side, a company called Native Resources has been hired
    to do reclamation on the graded area.  You can already see this reclamation in process from some
    parts of I-17 south of Black Canyon City.  Unlike the pipeline grade, a highway could not be
    reclaimed.   

    Special note to ATV riders:  Please stay off the pipeline area so that the scar can grow over as much
    as possible and the canyon will (hopefully) look better in the future.  Thank you!

Is there a proposal that would not impact Bumble Bee valley or the Black Canyon?

    Alternative D would widen I-17 closest to its existing right-of-way and would not adversely impact these areas.  Alternative A would widen I-17 in its exact existing route, but ADOT has determined this
    not to be feasible.  However, they are considering the possibility of Alternative A in combination with
    Alternative H. Additionally, ADOT will propose a "no-build" option that would leave I-17 unchanged;
    however, many people agree the current volume of traffic on I-17 presents problems that need to be
    addressed
           
Wouldn't Alternative D tie up traffic?

    Since ADOT will widen I-17 in all sections except the part between Black Canyon City and Bloody Basin, they will already need to address traffic concerns.  SaveBumbleBee.org believes the
    engineers at ADOT are capable of designing a creative solution for the section between Black
    Canyon City and Sunset Point that will minimize traffic problems.  All over the state, ADOT's projects
    snarl traffic.  Any project ADOT undertakes to widen I-17 will have some impact on traffic.  Re-routing
    these few miles will only avoid traffic problems for this short length of the freeway.

Isn't the formal comment period closed?

    ADOT has said it will accept comments until a final decision about the project is reached.  


Hasn't ADOT already made up its mind?  Isn't the comment period just a formality?

    ADOT has shown in the past that it is responsive to public opinion.  For example, public outcry about roundabouts proposed for the Cordes Junction interchange resulted in an entirely new proposal for
    the interchange that was much more favorable to public concerns.  Because ADOT does respond to
    public opinion, it is very important for individuals to submit their comments.


Will my comments be ignored if I e-mail instead of writing a letter?

    Not at all.  Electronically submitted comments are given the same consideration as those sent via snail mail--as long as they are in your own words.  Mass mailings are generally not helpful.


When will these projects happen?

    The I-17 widening from New River to Cordes Junction is not in ADOT's current 5-year budget.   Even though the heavy equipment isn't being fired up yet, decisions are being made NOW.  Finalization
    and acceptance of a decision is scheduled for early 2008.  Please submit your comments as soon as
    possible.


I thought nobody lives in Bumble Bee.  Why does it matter if a freeway is built there?

    The Bumble Bee valley and the entire Black Canyon is a well-loved recreation area full of off-road trails and mining claims.  Inside the quiet canyon, wildlife abounds.  The area is enjoyed by people
    from across the state, especially those from the Phoenix metropolitan area in search of a desert
    escape.  Bumble Bee itself is home to Bumble Bee Ranch Adventures as well as a handful of
    residents and several historic buildings, but this issue is not just about Bumble Bee.  The entire
    canyon is filled with archaeological and historical sites, wildlife, desert habitat, and recreation trails.

    Building a freeway through the Black Canyon would not displace hundreds of people from their
    homes.  What it would do is destroy a significant historic and recreational area by filling the canyon
    with noise, pollution, and trash, forever altering wildlife habitat and creating an inhospitable place for
    outdoor activities.  
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SaveBumbleBee.org                                          Keep I-17 OUT of Bumble Bee and the Black Canyon
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All photographs Copyright Alison Atwater