Scottsdale eyeing 2,000 acres of state trust land

PHOENIX - Scottsdale is expected to be among the bidders next month seeking to acquire 2,000 acres of state trust land.

The land is in a rugged area with washes, thick desert vegetation and exposed boulder outcroppings. Scottsdale says it would be a challenge to develop the area.

The Arizona Land Department has appraised the land in the Granite Mountain area at $44.1 million.

The property, northeast of Troon North, is zoned for single-family homes on lots of about 5 acres with other environmental restrictions.

Scottsdale's preserve director says the city and the State Land Department have not had any contact with builders interested in bidding on the trust land.

Scottsdale has long targeted the area for its McDowell Sonoran Preserve.