Opinion ID: 1280889
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Nature of the Information Sought

Text: At the outset, we must compare the exact nature of the information sought with that already available under the public records law. The only information at issue is the check distribution list containing the names and addresses of Community allottees and the amount of the check issued to each. Phoenix Newspapers seeks to monitor ADOT's activities and expenditure of public funds to ensure that the public trust was not compromised due to special consideration given to specific Community members. Supplement to Complaint Exh.E The Community does not dispute that Phoenix Newspapers may investigate whether Arizona public funds were properly expended. The Community points out, however, that whether fair compensation was offered by ADOT for each parcel in the right-of-way may already be determined through documents in the public record. The Arizona Attorney General sent Phoenix Newspapers a list of individual allotments which sets forth the... location of the allotment, its size, the amount [of land] to be taken for the freeway, the price per square foot, the amount of severance damages, and the total price/value of the allotment land to be taken .. . [and] right of way plans which show the location of the allotments with respect to the proposed freeway. Attorney General's letter of Aug. 30, 1990, Memorandum Exh.I. Presumably, the appraisals supporting the amount paid on each parcel are on file as part of ADOT's records. The Community asserts no rights of confidentiality as to this information. In addition, Phoenix Newspapers has ready access to the records of the right-of-way transaction between ADOT and the United States, including the contract between ADOT and the Community, and the easement grant from the United States. From these documents, Phoenix Newspapers and, indeed, any member of the public should easily be able to determine the amount paid by ADOT on each allotment and whether the allotment was located within the area to be used for the freeway. The only information not available is the personal identity of each allottee and the monetary amount each individual received for his or her fractional interest. The Community claims this information is not subject to Arizona's public records law and is subject to disclosure solely under federal law.