Issue:
COM‐3
AZARNG Site: There is an opportunity for improved direct
communication between AZARNG and
Entire JLUS
Project Area Arizona State Land Department.
Most of the land surrounding the four AZARNG
sites in Pinal County, as well as some of the land
that makes up Florence Military Reservation, is
managed by the Arizona State Land Department
through the Arizona State Trust. The
Department’s mission is to manage Arizona State
Trust land to maximize fiscal benefits for the
Trust’s beneficiaries, the primary trustee being
Arizona public schools. State Trust Lands could
be sold or leased and developed in the future,
and there is no formal process in place to
specifically notify the AZARNG of potential land
disposition activities or development proposals.
Compatibility Assessment
The Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) was given authority to manage all Arizona
State Trust land when the State Land Code was established in 1915. There are currently
approximately 9.2 million acres of State Trust land in Arizona that is managed by the
ASLD, much of which is concentrated in southern Arizona. This accounts for
approximately 13 percent of the land in the state. Figure 2‐8a in Chapter 2 of this
Background Report identifies the locations of Arizona State Trust land within the JLUS
Project Area.
There are 13 State Trust land beneficiaries, the largest of which is Arizona public schools.
The ASLD’s mission is to manage State Trust lands and resources to enhance value and
optimize economic return for the Trust beneficiaries that is consistent with sound
stewardship, conservation, and business management; and supports socioeconomic
goals for citizens today and for generations to come. The ASLD is mandated by the state
constitution to take beneficiaries’ interests and their alignment with state policies into
consideration. This includes policies that support military compatibility and private
property rights.
The ASLD and AZARNG coordinate through the Arizona Military Affairs Commission
(MAC). The MAC was established following the signing of House Bill 2140 by
Governor Jan Brewer. The specific responsibilities of the MAC are to advise Arizona’s
Executive and Legislative Branches on pertinent issues relating to the military and
installations throughout the state, to protect the ongoing strategic military missions, and
to prioritize property applications as part of the administration of the MIF. The
membership of the MAC is composed of 18 appointed commissioners representing the
5-20
Compatibility Assessment