My Turn: Arizona Geological Survey is on life support and needs the public's help

Many Arizonans are outraged by the impact Gov. Doug Ducey's budget has had on the Arizona Geological Survey. Elimination of its modest state appropriation and increased overhead costs resulting from its consolidation with the University of Arizona will severely restrict the survey's ability to serve the residents of Arizona.

The governor's efforts to consolidate state government have placed this healthy, productive state agency on life support, and its prognosis is grim. The Arizona Geological Survey's supporters do not understand how the decision to eviscerate this agency best serves the needs of Arizonans.

Most of agency's budget comes from outside sources

As a small, well-managed, independent state agency, the Arizona Geological Survey has not only served the residents of Arizona well, but generates 85 to 90 percent of its budget from outside sources. Its success has enabled it to provide Arizonans services that would not have been possible with state funds alone. This important source of revenue as well as the core services it provides  are in danger of being lost.

MY TURN: What we're doing about geological hazards

The Arizona Geological Survey's core mission is to advise and assist on public issues involving geological processes, materials, landscapes and the prudent use of lands and mineral resources.

Survey responds to all sorts of natural hazards 

The survey addresses health and safety concerns through its recognition, mitigation and response to natural hazards such as landslides, debris flows, flooding, earth fissures, subsidence from groundwater withdrawals, expansive soils and earthquakes.

Its collection and analysis of basic scientific data and compilation of maps and reports benefits professionals and average citizens alike.

Want to buy a home? You'd be smart to check out the Arizona Geological Survey's Natural Hazards in Arizona Viewer first. And guess what? All of this information is available online for free, just like the rest of its products.

The Arizona Geological Survey also provides educational outreach services to Arizona teachers and others who wish to learn more about how the practical application of geological sciences impacts their lives.

Our fate is now in Arizonans' hands

Without the modest appropriation it has received from the state in past years, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for the Arizona Geological Survey to generate the matching funds required to obtain the outside funding that has made it so successful.

With its duties now confined to working on the few grants and contracts it will  qualify for, there will be little funding available for many of the important services the survey has historically performed for Arizonans.

The fate of the Arizona Geological Survey is in your hands.

Arizonans are urged to express their support for this beleaguered agency, which should be cited as a role model for other state agencies to emulate instead of being unfairly victimized by a poorly thought out plan to reorganize state government. Contact the governor today and let him know some government agencies like the Arizona Geological Survey are useful and worth supporting.

David F. Briggs is the secretary of the Arizona Geological Society, a non-profit, civic organization with 461 members who are devoted to promoting and encouraging interest in the science of geology.  Email him at  MiningandYou@aol.com.