Coconino County sets sweeping federal ask to rebuild Grand Canyon after wildfires
Loading...
Summary
County staff told supervisors they will press for a multi‑year Great American Outdoors Act allocation (discussed as a 7–10 year request of roughly $2.5 billion if ~25% of annual GAOA funds were targeted) to rebuild the North and South Rims and fund Kaibab forest restoration; supervisors endorsed outreach to congressional delegations and regional partners ahead of NACO Hill visits.
Coconino County officials told the Board of Supervisors Feb. 3 they will make a central federal advocacy push to rebuild and restore the Grand Canyon and adjacent Kaibab National Forest after recent wildfires.
Government affairs staff described a multi‑year funding strategy that would seek a sustained share of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) fund over 7–10 years. "If we had 25% of that fund for 7 to 10 years, it would probably cover our cost," said a county government affairs speaker, describing the fund as an off‑budget pot that receives royalties from oil and mineral extractions.
Staff framed the ask as three complementary elements: (1) target GAOA funding for Grand Canyon restoration and Kaibab forest restoration, (2) support the North Rim Restoration Act to authorize emergency contracting flexibilities for the National Park Service, and (3) seek consideration of year‑round opening of the North Rim as the opportunity to rebuild with long‑term resilience.
Supervisors pressed staff about outreach to other states and delegations; staff reported ongoing coordination with Utah and Nevada and conversations with committees and key congressional offices, citing prior outreach to the House Natural Resources subcommittee and multiple Senate staff offices. Staff also offered a draft letter opposing a proposed increase in the international/nonresident Grand Canyon entry fee and said that the county could push that in tandem with the restoration ask.
"This is probably the largest ask the county has ever made of the federal government," staff said, calling it a "stretch goal" but a necessary request given the scale of damage and economic reliance on canyon visitation.
Next steps: the board will carry this federal agenda to the NACO conference and Hill visits, provide talking points to supervisors and staff, and continue regional outreach with Utah, Nevada and tribal partners.
