by 
Map of area to be annexed into the Town of Superior limits.
Superior Sun
Public hearings on a proposal that would increase the size of Superior by nearly 13,700 acres of land west and north of town will be held on April 30 by the Superior Town Council at Superior Town Hall beginning at 7 p.m. The territory targeted for annexation is several times larger than the land within the current Superior town limits.
Several reasons were given for the proposed annexation, which would include land owned by the US Forest Service inside of Tonto National Forest. By controlling the land, Superior could reap construction sales tax for US 60 highway improvements. The town limits would be closer to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum by skimming its northern boundary and augment local efforts to encourage tourists visiting this attraction to also shop and dine in Superior during their trip. And according to Superior Attorney Stephen Cooper, annexation would give the town local control over land use in territory brought within the new city limits.
The latter reason is considered especially important now that the Resolution Copper Mining (RMC) project near Superior is moving toward beginning operations, and the company will need a place for tailings storage.
Tailings consist of sand, clay, dirt and leftover materials after copper ore has been mined. Which RMC must store permanently in impoundments that must comply with strict environmental rules to control dust, prevent acid and rock drainage, and protect water and other resources.
RCM said in 2013 it would need 3,000 to 4,000 acres to store tailings for its new copper mining operation, and was looking at sites west of Superior and on Forest Service land for that purpose. Such sites could include Potts Canyon, Hewitt Canyon, Gonzales Pass and Silver King.
To get the tailings to the storage site, RCM also has permission to improve existing roads with the forest and to develop additional roads to the site.
Having a say in land use near Superior could assure that any problems that could eventually adversely affect the quality of life in the community could be forestalled.
According to RCM, its mining operation would positively impact to economy of Superior by creating 1,400 jobs with the company and another 2,300 construction jobs. RMC expects its mine to remain in operation for a minimum 40 years.
A spokesman for the US Forest Service in Phoenix said it is not unusual for communities to annex mostly unpopulated territories outside their town limits for the purpose of managing its use for the betterment of the community.
The public hearings are open to the public and all persons are invited to attend and be heard on the annexation plan.
James J. Hodl is a career journalist who has worked for newspapers, magazines and trade journals. A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism, Hodl began his career as a reporter with the Palatine (IL) Herald and the Morton Grove (IL) Review before becoming editor of the trade publication Appliance Service News. In recent years, Hodl has had articles published in Consumers Digest, Good Housekeeping, Home Remodeling, Kitchens & Baths and Salute; and has contributed to trade publications serving the home furnishings, restaurant and casino markets. A native of Chicago, Hodl relocated to San Tan Valley in 2013.
by by