The Tusayan Town Council remains focused on flood mitigation, plans for a new Town Hall and efforts to reassure visitors that Tusayan and the Grand Canyon remain open despite recent flooding and water disruptions inside the national park. The Council met Tuesday September 8th.

With Mayor Clarinda Vail away attending a community meeting at Grand Canyon National Park, the meeting was largely devoted to updates from town management.

One of the most significant actions involved continued engineering for Tusayan’s flood-mitigation program. The town has completed the first phase of engineering, bringing proposed improvements to the 30% design level, and is now moving toward 60% design.

Officials said there is an estimated $750,000 funding gap for that next phase, which will be split between the town and the Coconino County Flood Control District. Tusayan’s anticipated share is approximately $375,000. The town previously budgeted $4 million for property acquisition, engineering and local matches associated with flood-control work.

The council also received an update on planning for a new Town Hall. A review panel recently evaluated three responses to the town’s solicitation for a construction manager at risk, who will work with the architect as the project proceeds from design through construction documents.

A special council meeting was proposed for Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. to consider the review committee’s recommendation. Holding the special meeting rather than waiting until the regular October meeting could move the project forward by approximately three weeks.

Recent flooding and water problems at Grand Canyon National Park also figured prominently in the meeting. Tusayan has launched what officials described as a marketing “blitz” emphasizing that both the town and the Grand Canyon remain open for business.

While overnight accommodations inside the park have been affected, officials stressed that Tusayan and the surrounding Grand Canyon community can continue accommodating visitors. The town also has been helping spread the message that visitors entering the park should bring adequate drinking water.

Tusayan is also exploring ways to assist with the park’s water situation. Officials reported discussions involving potable water as well as the possibility of receiving gray water for treatment through the local sanitation and reclaimed water district. The latter could potentially help reduce water demands inside the park.

In other business, the council approved its consent agenda, including an agreement with MJ Law involving review and a public hearing on Tusayan’s 2034 General Plan. A hearing is expected as early as the end of September, with the General Plan potentially returning to the council in October or, at the latest, November.

Council members also received an update on the town’s second annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration, scheduled for Oct. 12 at the sports complex. Plans include food vendors, Indigenous dancers and work toward another drone light show. Activities are expected to begin at 4:30 p.m.

The town is additionally developing new photography and video showcasing Tusayan’s trails and other recreational amenities for use on its website and in tourism marketing.

The meeting opened with approval of a proclamation joining the “Not in Our City” effort against human trafficking.