The State Highway System includes 6,801 route miles of roadway and of this about 88% of the system's roadways are situated within rural areas with the remainder in urban areas. The System also includes 1,324 miles or 20% that traverse Native Nation/Tribal lands. In addition, there are 20 airports maintained and operated by the Native Nation/Tribal Governments.

The vision of the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is for every child, adult and family in the State of Arizona to be safe and economically secure. The mission of the Department is to promote the safety, well-being and self-sufficiency of children, adults and families. The Department continues a strong commitment to working with all of Arizona’s 22 tribes. The DES Tribal Consultation Policy demonstrates a fundamental respect for tribal sovereignty and self-determination. DES commits to working in consultation with Tribal Nations to improve the quality, availability and accessibility of human services to children, youth, adults and elders. This report provides an overview of DES actions and activities related to tribal consultations (both formal and informal) conducted over the past state fiscal year to achieve these goals. Our process is one which jointly involves Tribal and Department leadership and staff.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Game & Fish Department and the Arizona State Parks Board are required to conduct a study every three years on watercraft fuel consumption and recreational watercraft usage. The fuel consumption data is collected to determine the allocation of motor vehicle fuel tax to the State Lake Improvement Fund. The information on recreational watercraft usage patterns on Arizona’s lakes and rivers is necessary, in part, to determine the distribution of SLIF funds to applicants.

Over the course of three and a half years, many meetings and visits, and 12 Tribal Summits, Tribal Leaders provided valuable insight into how to strengthen the relationship between the State of Arizona and the 22 Tribes that call Arizona home. Tribal liaisons in our key state agencies have developed policies to guide our work. This compilation of Arizona State agency tribal consultation policies are designed to ensure that tribal issues and concerns are fully integrated into State decision making processes.