Arizona Budget Negotiations Threaten Airport

Literally hundreds of thousands of people may have had the opportunity to experience The Grand Canyon from the air. Scenic rides over the gash in the Arizona desert have been a staple of family vacations for decades. It is still a way to get a unique view of one of natures' wonders.

In a terse letter to FAA Western-Pacific Regional Administrator William C. Withycombe, Arizona DOT Aeronautics Division Director Barklay Dick said a dispute with the Arizona Legislature over budgets could close Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

"Dear Mr. Withycombe:

If continuing negotiations between the Arizona legislature and the Governor do not result in an approved budget for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, the State of Arizona may cease many of its services.  Among those services is the operation of the Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

If there is not an approved budget for the new fiscal year prior to July 1, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will close the Grand Canyon National Park Airport at midnight on June 30, 2009.  Should the airport be closed, it will remain closed until further notice. 

Closure of the airport will be communicated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the airport manager.  The standard "X" marking will be placed on each end of the airport's runway to indicate the runway is closed to traffic."

FMI: http://www.grand.canyon.national-park.com