Grand Canyon National Park Initiates General Scoping On Proposed Projects Within The Grand Canyon Village

The National Park Service (NPS) is in the initial stages of planning for two projects proposed within Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim within Grand Canyon National Park. The proposed projects consist of the construction of a new concessions mule barn and construction of government housing that would be made available to non-government employers of the park. The NPS is soliciting comments from those who may have issues or concerns regarding the proposals before proceeding with an environmental assessment.

The NPS proposes to construct a new concessions mule barn near the intersection of Village Loop Road and West Rim Drive in Grand Canyon Village. The project would enhance the facilities available for caring for the mules, and includes construction of a new 13, 256 square foot mule barn facility that will consist of a veterinary service area, saddlery, feed storage, blacksmith and leathersmith shops, offices, and restrooms. A manager/security housing unit of 1,400 square feet and a 0.5-acre mule corral would also be constructed as part of the new facility. In addition, a trail from the mule barn facility to the Bright Angel Trailhead Corral would be developed in a disturbed area and would tie directly into the existing trail at a point between the railroad tracks and Village Loop Road. The Historic Mule Barn and Blacksmith Shop buildings would remain where they are currently located in the powerhouse area, and following rehabilitation, become an integral part of the Heritage Education Campus - an area, that when completed, will offer visitors in-depth opportunities for interpretive and environmental education.

The NPS also proposes to construct government housing, consisting of two two-story apartment buildings that would include 16 apartments, 32 paved parking spaces, and associated utility and infrastructure connections. The apartments would be built on the east side of the intersection of Mohave Street and Mohave Court, south of Albright Street, on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. This housing would be made available to non-government employers to meet required housing needs in the Village area.

Construction of both a new mule livery and government housing are in accordance with the Park's 1995 General Management Plan (pages 32, 35 & 36).

Comments will be accepted for a period of 30 days and should be received no later than August 24, 2001. Comments should be sent to Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023, Attn: Sara White, Chief Compliance Officer or by e-mail to: Sara_White@nps.gov. For questions regarding these projects, please contact Ms. White at (928) 638-7956.