27-106 - Duties of Arizona geological survey; mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum

27-106. Duties of Arizona geological survey; mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum

A. Under the operation, management and authority of the university of Arizona, the Arizona geological survey shall:

1. Map and describe the bedrock and related geologic materials and processes in this state, as follows:

(a) Prepare geologic maps that show the distribution of rock formations and surficial materials at the surface and in the subsurface.

(b) Describe the character of rock and surficial materials, including their age, origin and physical and chemical properties.

(d) Map and characterize energy and mineral resources and identify areas that may have potential for future discoveries.

2. Provide objective, scientific information about the geologic character of this state as follows:

(a) Provide timely, courteous responses to requests for information, advice and assistance from the public.

(b) Maintain a computerized bibliographic database of maps and reports on the geology of this state that is accessible to the public.

(c) Maintain an internet website that includes information about the Arizona geological survey, products and services available and the geologic character of this state.

(d) Give lectures and talks, conduct workshops, lead field trips and provide information and assistance to public, educational and professional groups.

(e) Publish reports and other information, written in nontechnical terms, to inform those who are not trained in geology about the geologic character of this state.

3. Prepare all data files of known areas of earth fissures, produce maps of those areas with overlays showing affected counties, cities, towns, highways and streets and transmit the maps in printed and electronic format to the state real estate department for the purposes of providing public access to the earth fissure maps pursuant to this paragraph and section 32-2117. The Arizona geological survey shall provide any map to any member of the public in printed or electronic format on request. The following notice shall be displayed below each map:

Notice

The state of Arizona has made a reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of this map when it was produced, but errors may be present and the state of Arizona does not guarantee its accuracy. The map supplements, and is not a substitute for, a professional inspection of property for defects and conditions.

4. Operate and maintain a central repository and a computerized database for reports, books, maps and other publications regarding the geology, mining and mineral resources and associated technologies. Such repository and database shall be available for the use of the public and may be located at or connected with the university of Arizona or another state university or agency of this state. All databases and other archival materials shall be maintained in a secure and retrievable format and at a location prescribed by the state geologist to protect and preserve information from damage or destruction.

5. Utilize the services and expertise of the universities of this state at the discretion of the state geologist.

6. Cooperate with local, county, state and federal agencies.

7. Provide quality mining data, evaluation and assistance relating to mining and mineral development to the legislature, federal, state and local governmental agencies and the public.

8. Serve as a source of mining information and data necessary or advisable to attain its objectives. The Arizona board of regents may establish reasonable fees for publications and other services of the Arizona geological survey.

9. Cooperate with the corporation commission in its investigations and administration of laws relating to the sale of mining securities.

10. Keep an annually updated database relating to existing mines in this state that would allow municipalities and counties to identify areas with mineral and aggregate mines for planning purposes required under sections 9-461.05 and 11-804.

B. In coordination with the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum advisory council established by section 27-111, the university of Arizona shall operate and maintain a mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum as the state depository for collecting, cataloging and displaying mining, mineral and natural resources artifacts and specimens. In connection with the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum, the university of Arizona may:

1. Promote the recognition and celebration of the historical, cultural, economic and social contributions to this state made by the mining, mineral and natural resources industries in this state, including the livestock and agricultural industries.

2. Apply for and accept grants, gifts, bequests of legacies of real or personal property, donations, including donations of time, services and materials, or any other contribution, financial or otherwise, for use in accordance with the direction of the donor or, in the absence of an express direction, as prescribed by the university of Arizona. Monies received pursuant to this paragraph shall be deposited in a separate mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum account in the geological survey fund established by section 27-107 to be used exclusively for the maintenance, restoration and operations of the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum.

3. Accept from the federal or state government, any local government or any of their agencies restricted and unrestricted monies made available to this state for the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum.

4. Establish and collect entrance fees to the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum.

5. Operate a retail gift shop, including the acquisition, purchase and resale of mining, mineral and natural resources specimens and related items.

6. Employ a curator for the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum who possesses knowledge or experience in natural resources and operating a museum.

7. Operate educational programming for the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum.

8. Accept the services of volunteers and provide oversight for their activities.

9. Pay the necessary maintenance and operation expenses of the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum.

C. The university of Arizona:

1. Under the advisement of the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum advisory council, shall adopt a collections management policy that is consistent with national standards and best practices for museums in the United States established by a national association of museums.

2. Shall maintain the items, artifacts and other inventory received for display or storage, including equipment and outdoor displays.

3. In coordination with the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum advisory council and pursuant to the standards and best practices adopted pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection, may sell or otherwise dispose of materials received for the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum.

4. Shall operate, manage and maintain the mining, mineral and natural resources educational museum at the location where it is housed on August 9, 2017 consistent with this article.