Residents voice opposition to proposed data center and land sale

City manager announces completion of splash pad construction

Officials pursue EPA funding for water treatment plant upgrades

Annual job fair scheduled for Feb. 28

County seeks billions in federal funding for Grand Canyon restoration

Flood control district proposes $2.4 million match for Tusayan mitigation

North Rim ambulance service issues resolved

Board backs state bills to fund "healing center" for substance abuse

Amphitheater upgrades approved to attract larger acts

County supports criminalizing "Glock switches" at state level

Sentencing enhancements sought for crimes against vulnerable adults

Residents voice opposition to proposed data center and land sale

PAGE, Ariz. — During the public comment period, residents raised significant concerns regarding the land sale to Huntley LLC for a data center on Pinto Road. Two residents argued that the project contradicts the 2022 General Plan and poses threats to the area's open space, tourism industry and property values. Speakers requested a dedicated town hall meeting to debate the project's merits, citing a lack of transparency and potential negative impacts on the city's "postcard community" image.

City manager announces completion of splash pad construction

PAGE, Ariz. — City Manager Darren Coldwell reported that the final concrete pour for the city's new splash pad at the Page Sports Complex was completed the previous week. The facility is now waiting for appropriate weather conditions to officially open to the public. Coldwell suggested a potential opening ceremony would be organized to mark the occasion once the season permits.

Officials pursue EPA funding for water treatment plant upgrades

PAGE, Ariz. — City officials reported progress on securing funding for critical water infrastructure, including upgrades to the water treatment plant and the "second straw" water intake project. A recent meeting with a city water-project working group focused on navigating Environmental Protection Agency requirements to secure necessary federal funds. Officials noted that a potential federal government shutdown could temporarily delay progress with federal agencies.

Annual job fair scheduled for Feb. 28

PAGE, Ariz. — The City Council announced that the annual community job fair is scheduled for Feb. 28. The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at Coconino Community College and will feature three resume workshops designed to help attendees improve their employment prospects. The council suggested that the city's public information officer should increase social media promotion for the event.

County seeks billions in federal funding for Grand Canyon restoration

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Board of Supervisors has directed staff to pursue a massive federal funding request of approximately $2.5 billion over seven to ten years to address the aftermath of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires. The request, which will be presented to federal lawmakers later this month, seeks a carve-out from the Great American Outdoors Act to fund the rebuilding of the Grand Canyon's North Rim infrastructure, the hardening of the South Rim against future disasters and extensive forest restoration. Deputy County Manager Lucinda Andreani described the proposal as the "ask of a lifetime," emphasizing that relying on the standard appropriations process would take decades to restore the area.

Flood control district proposes $2.4 million match for Tusayan mitigation

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Supervisors discussed a long-term flood mitigation plan that includes a proposed $2.4 million investment to match a federal grant for flood control structures in Tusayan. Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani argued that protecting access to the Grand Canyon South Rim is critical to the region's $1.1 billion tourism economy. While the Board expressed general support, one supervisor questioned the disparity between the county's contribution and the Town of Tusayan's proposed $200,000 match. Andreani acknowledged the gap but stressed the regional economic necessity of the project.

North Rim ambulance service issues resolved

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — During the board's roundtable discussion, Supervisor Lena Fowler announced a resolution to recent lapses in emergency medical services on the North Rim and the Kaibab Plateau. Following complications regarding licensing for Kane County Hospital to operate in Arizona and the loss of equipment in recent fires, a multi-agency effort has secured a solution. Guardian Air is retiring an ambulance vehicle and donating it to the town of Fredonia to help restore consistent emergency transport services to the remote region.

Board backs state bills to fund "healing center" for substance abuse

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The board voted unanimously to amend its state legislative agenda to support bills that would appropriate between $36 million and $45 million to the county for a new "Healing Center." The project involves converting the existing juvenile detention center into a detox, sobriety and crisis recovery facility. County Attorney Ammon Barker and other officials emphasized that the legislation supports a direct appropriation for construction and equipment but does not mandate that the county operate the facility or provide matching funds, positioning the county primarily as the landlord.

Amphitheater upgrades approved to attract larger acts

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The board received a presentation on $500,000 in upgrades planned for the Coconino County Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill. Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Nemeth outlined a plan to address safety issues regarding a steep slope near the stage, improve electrical and water infrastructure for future restrooms and install structural reinforcements to the stage roof. The roof upgrades will increase weight capacity for advanced lighting and sound equipment, a move designed to attract higher-profile touring acts that require elaborate production setups.

County supports criminalizing "Glock switches" at state level

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — As part of the amended state legislative agenda, the board voted to support legislation criminalizing the possession and manufacture of auto sears, commonly known as "Glock switches." County Attorney Ammon Barker explained to the board that these small devices convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons and are increasingly appearing in street-level crimes. While possession is already a federal crime, federal enforcement resources in northern Arizona are limited, necessitating a state-level statute to allow local prosecution.

Sentencing enhancements sought for crimes against vulnerable adults

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The board formally added a proposal to its legislative agenda that seeks to enhance criminal penalties for offenses committed against vulnerable adults. County Attorney Ammon Barker stated the initiative stems from a local case involving the sexual assault of an incapacitated woman in a care facility, where prosecutors felt the sentencing guidelines were insufficient given the victim's inability to defend herself. The proposed legislation, supported by the Arizona Association of Counties, aims to create sentencing aggravators similar to those that exist for crimes against children.

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