The Maricopa Association of Governments announced that two city of Phoenix projects were selected to receive the 2006 Desert Peaks Awards. The prestigious awards are presented to agencies and individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting, recognizing and attaining the ideals of regionalism.

The TGen/IGC Headquarters project received an award in the Public-Private Partnership category and the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project received an award in the Public Partnership category.

The TGen/IGC Headquarters project is a joint venture between the city of Phoenix and multiple partner agencies including the Flinn Foundation, the State of Arizona, Maricopa County, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and the Maricopa Community Colleges among others. Development of the TGen/IGC headquarters has become a catalyst for the establishment of the city’s 28-acre Phoenix Biomedical Campus (PBC) which has spurred economic growth in the area’s bioindustry.

The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project received the public partnership award for its partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the county's Flood Control District. This partnership resulted in the restoration of the neglected dry Salt River riverbed to create a $100 million natural habitat amenity for the community to enjoy. The project also has partnered with the city of Tempe to conduct an initial Feasibility Study of the river with the Army Corps, which will receive additional appropriations from the Water and Energy bill approved by Congress. Other project supporters include Audubon Arizona and Valley Forward Association.

Recipients will be honored during the Seventh Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Desert Peaks Awards June 28, 2006. The event will be held at the Arizona Club, located in the Chase Tower, 201 N. Central Ave., Suite 3700. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with the awards program at 6:15 p.m. For more information about the awards ceremony, contact Kelly Taft with MAG at 602-254-6300.