Mayor Clarinda Vail, Vice Mayor Greg Brush, Town Manager Greg Clifton and Town Attorney Aaron Arnson are expected to arrive in Washington DC June 23rd as the town seeks federal funds for critical projects involving forest restoration flood control and safety issues for Highway 64.

The group plans to meet with nearly every member of Arizona’s congressional delegation according to Town Manager Greg Clifton. They will also be meeting with representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Department of Transportation.

Because more than 90 percent of the six million visitors pass through Highway 64 in Tusayan the highway is of national importance.

Here is what the Town is seeking

Audible Warning System (AWS) – The Town is requesting $500,000 (through USDA-Rural Development or another agency) for an AWS to warn of impending fires and floods to protect the millions of visitors and Town residents alike.

SR 64 BUILD/INFRA Grants – During a 100-year storm event, flooding from the
Coconino Wash and its tributaries that cross SR 64 produce flows of up to 10,000 cubic feet per second. If access is lost, a 3-hour detour is required to visit the Grand Canyon. A larger flood event could cause permanent damage to the highway and the Town’s wastewater treatment/reclaimed water plant.

SR 64 Safety Enhancements - Safety improvements include addressing vehicle collisions with migrating wildlife, including elk and mule deer and adding more passing lanes between Valle and Tusayan to calm traffic. 

Forest Restoration and Mitigation – The catastrophic wildfires that destroyed infrastructure at the North Rim would have even more devastating consequences on the South Rim where approximately 4 to 6 million visitors come each year.  Healthy and fire resilient forests must be maintained so that catastrophic wildfire will not close the Grand Canyon.