By Carolyn Dryer | Peoria Times
At its regular study session Nov. 13, Peoria City Council came to a consensus in a move to annex several parcels of ASLD land — approximately 1,206 acres — situated within the borders of the city. The land under consideration for annexation lies either near or directly straddles the Loop 303 in North Peoria.
City officials made it clear during the past few years it wants to annex the property to assure future development occurs in a manner “commensurate with the city’s economic development objectives and design interests.”
The Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) manages 9.2 million acres of land in the state. In 1912, the acreage was around 10 million when the land was granted to Arizona at statehood.
The purpose of ASLD is to manage State Trust land and resources to enhance their value and optimize return for 13 beneficiaries. The largest beneficiary is the Common School, K-12. The ASLD also leases and sells land through public auctions.
