ADOT Conducts SR 188 Improvements Dedication
Arizona Free Press
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by Karon Brown-Schneider
On Friday, September 30, 2005, several state and local officials, along with numerous visitors, gathered for the dedication 
of the realigned 7.5-mile State Route 188.
David Jankofsky, Deputy Director with the Arizona Department of Transportation, hosted the event as Master of Ceremonies. His first introduction was the Junior ROTC Color Guard from Globe High School who impressed those present, followed by Ingo Radicke, 
Former Chairman of the State Transportation Board, who led all in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lee Ann Powers then sang the Star Spangled Banner with a voice so beautiful, it rivaled that of many professionals at major events.
Jankofsky remarked that this was a "momentous occasion for all of the state, not just Gila County." He noted that there are "very few highways in Arizona that are more historic and scenic 
than Highway 188."
Rick Powers, District Engineer with ADOT's Globe district, told those present that he has "waited for this moment for many years." Powers signed the original concept design report to get the project underway. He noted that this project was paid with gas taxes and belongs to the people.
Powers added that SR 188, from Globe to State Route 87 is named after the late Senator Bill Hardt, who participated in the first ribbon-cutting in 2000.
Gila County Supervisor Shirley Dawson spoke of how "we are all so blessed to live in this beautiful country" and we "need to work together to link the north and south counties together." She shared with the audience a few fond memories of Senator Bill Hardt.
Mayor Stanley Gibson, an old next door neighbor to the late Senator, reminisced about old times and offered a brief history of the 115+-year-old highway.
Miami Mayor Paul Licano referenced Governor Hunt during his speech and commented that SR 188 will be a "faster, safer way to get from Highway 60 to the lake . . . with a great view coming down the hill."
Payson's Mayor Barbara Brewer thanked the late Senator for his vision of SR 188. She also extended a special thank you to the Department of Transportation Board from the town of Payson and all its citizens for making daily, weekly and monthly travel safer.
Laughter erupted from the audience when Gene Blankerbaker, Globe District Ranger, Tonto National Forest, said he was from California and it was "unusual to see a big highway like this without gridlock on it."
Officer Tom Gamboa, Department of Public Safety, Globe District, commented that this new road "will make our job a lot easier" after a brief explanation of the large task DPS had to undertake years ago just getting from Globe to Roosevelt.
Delbert Householder, a member of the State Transportation Board, District 4, was the last speaker before the ribbon-cutting ceremony (pictures are available on our website). Householder reminisced about traveling down the old road when he came here to fish and reiterated the importance of obtaining more money for rural Arizona.
Those present were treated to scrumptious food from Chalo's Restaurant, courtesy of ADOT.
of the realigned 7.5-mile State Route 188.
David Jankofsky, Deputy Director with the Arizona Department of Transportation, hosted the event as Master of Ceremonies. His first introduction was the Junior ROTC Color Guard from Globe High School who impressed those present, followed by Ingo Radicke, Former Chairman of the State Transportation Board, who led all in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lee Ann Powers then sang the Star Spangled Banner with a voice so beautiful, it rivaled that of many professionals at major events.
Jankofsky remarked that this was a "momentous occasion for all of the state, not just Gila County." He noted that there are "very few highways in Arizona that are more historic and scenic than Highway 188."
Rick Powers, District Engineer with ADOT's Globe district, told those present that he has "waited for this moment for many years." Powers signed the original concept design report to get the project underway. He noted that this project was paid with gas taxes and belongs to the people.
Powers added that SR 188, from Globe to State Route 87 is named after the late Senator Bill Hardt, who participated in the first ribbon-cutting in 2000.
Gila County Supervisor Shirley Dawson spoke of how "we are all so blessed to live in this beautiful country" and we "need to work together to link the north and south counties together." She shared with the audience a few fond memories of Senator Bill Hardt.
Mayor Stanley Gibson, an old next door neighbor to the late Senator, reminisced about old times and offered a brief history of the 115+-year-old highway.
Miami Mayor Paul Licano referenced Governor Hunt during his speech and commented that SR 188 will be a "faster, safer way to get from Highway 60 to the lake . . . with a great view coming down the hill."
Payson's Mayor Barbara Brewer thanked the late Senator for his vision of SR 188. She also extended a special thank you to the Department of Transportation Board from the town of Payson and all its citizens for making daily, weekly and monthly travel safer.
Laughter erupted from the audience when Gene Blankerbaker, Globe District Ranger, Tonto National Forest, said he was from California and it was "unusual to see a big highway like this without gridlock on it."
Officer Tom Gamboa, Department of Public Safety, Globe District, commented that this new road "will make our job a lot easier" after a brief explanation of the large task DPS had to undertake years ago just getting from Globe to Roosevelt.
Delbert Householder, a member of the State Transportation Board, District 4, was the last speaker before the ribbon-cutting ceremony (pictures are available on our website). Householder reminisced about traveling down the old road when he came here to fish and reiterated the importance of obtaining more money for rural Arizona.
Those present were treated to scrumptious food from Chalo's Restaurant, courtesy of ADOT.