Page local news summary

Page Mayor Reports Progress on Dragon Bravo Fire, Now 44% Contained

Page City Council Halts BMX Park Project, Forfeits State Grant

County to Tackle Short-Term Rentals and Homeowner’s Insurance Crisis

Tusayan Flood Mitigation Plan Moves Forward

Future of Page’s Air Service Uncertain After Council Seeks Legal Advice

1. Page Mayor Reports Progress on Dragon Bravo Fire, Now 44% Contained

PAGE - Page Mayor Kyle Kidman provided a positive update on the massive Dragon Bravo fire, reporting that the blaze was 44% contained as of August 13. In his report, the mayor noted that firefighters are making good progress despite difficult terrain and that smoke impacts in the city have been minimal as winds have pushed it south. The city continues to receive daily 10 a.m. updates on the fire, which has had a significant impact on the region’s tourism economy.

2. Page City Council Halts BMX Park Project, Forfeits State Grant

PAGE - In a split vote, the Page City Council opted to defer a planned BMX pump track project, a decision that means turning down a $149,000 state grant that had been awarded for its construction. Council members raised significant concerns over the project’s ballooning costs, which had climbed to over $500,000, and the original proposed location in an area prone to flooding. While a new, drier location near the sports complex was considered, it introduced new complexities including land swaps with the school district and potential costs for a new parking lot. Ultimately, the majority felt the grant money was not worth the escalating expense and logistical challenges for a project that was not considered a top priority.

3. County to Tackle Short-Term Rentals and Homeowner’s Insurance Crisis

COCONINO COUNTY - The Coconino County Board of Supervisors directed staff to move forward with legislative proposals for the upcoming session, targeting two of the biggest issues facing taxpayers: short-term rentals (STRs) and homeowner’s insurance instability. The first proposal seeks to restore local control over STRs by allowing counties to set density caps and zoning restrictions, and will incorporate a policy to classify STRs as commercial properties for tax purposes. The second resolution aims to address the insurance crisis by incentivizing wildfire mitigation, extending non-renewal moratoriums after disasters, and mandating more transparent communication from insurers. Both proposals have already garnered support from other Arizona counties.

4. Tusayan Flood Mitigation Plan Moves Forward

COCONINO COUNTY - Supervisors received a detailed update on the Tusayan Drainage Master Plan, a critical project to protect the Grand Canyon gateway town from catastrophic flooding. Engineering consultants revealed that a 100-year rain event could send 10,000 cubic feet per second of water through the town—a flow comparable to the Colorado River at Lees Ferry. The plan’s success hinges on a key, and challenging, component: constructing stormwater detention basins on upstream U.S. Forest Service land to manage the immense volume of water before it reaches the community. Officials have begun promising discussions with the Forest Service, a step previously considered a major hurdle for such infrastructure projects.

5. Future of Page’s Air Service Uncertain After Council Seeks Legal Advice

PAGE - The future of commercial air service in Page is under review after a contentious 5–2 vote directed staff to seek legal counsel before hiring a specialist to negotiate the city’s next Essential Air Service (EAS) contract. The council debated whether to pursue a traditional EAS contract, where the U.S. Department of Transportation selects the carrier, or an Alternate Essential Air Service (AEAS) agreement, which gives the city more control but has an uncertain political future in Washington, D.C. Citing the highly political nature of the process, a majority of the council voted to hold an executive session with an aviation legal expert before committing to a path forward, delaying a decision on hiring the proposed $40,000 consultant.

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