Coconino County accepts federal PROTECT grant to fund Highway 89 flood mitigation

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 19 unanimously voted to accept a federal PROTECT grant to finance flood-mitigation work on U.S. Highway 89 and in communities affected by the Schultz Pipeline floods.

County leaders said the grant — awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and described to the board as a multi‑million dollar award — will be used to make the highway more passable and resilient after storms and post‑fire flooding. Supervisors praised county and partner staff for winning the funding and said the work is important to people who use Highway 89 for daily travel, school routes and tourism access to Grand Canyon gateway communities.

Why this matters: Highway 89 is a primary north–south corridor for eastern Coconino County. At times in recent years post‑fire floods have overtopped the road, forcing lengthy detours and disrupting school bus routes and commerce. Board members said improved flood mitigation will reduce closures and the detours that lengthen travel into neighboring counties.

What the board approved and who spoke: Chair Patrice Horstman opened the agenda item and asked for comment before a motion. Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez said the grant “has been a long time coming,” and praised the collaborative, multi‑agency work that won the award. Supervisor Lena Fowler underscored that the award reflects mitigation work the county had already completed, and thanked staff and the county’s congressional advocates.

County Manager Bertelsen clarified the award amount during discussion. Board members then moved and seconded a motion to approve the agreement as presented. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

How it will be implemented: Board members said the county and partner agencies will use the grant to repair and make Highway 89 more resilient to flooding “so it will be more passable and to withstand these floods that may come through in the future,” in the words of a supervisor. Multiple supervisors singled out the Flood Control District and county staff — and named Lucinda as a project champion — for their roles in securing and standing up the project. Supervisors said the work will support residents who rely on the route for work, school and essential services and noted the county had advocated for the award with its congressional delegation.

Next steps and timeframe: Supervisors said the project follows a multi‑year proposal and will be completed as the grant and project schedules allow. Board members indicated the county expects to begin project work under the grant within the county’s grant implementation timetable and commended staff; no later start date was specified at the meeting.

Votes and formal action: The board approved the agreement by unanimous voice vote.