Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Comment On Environmental Assessment On Proposal For Improvements At Desert View

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Joseph F. Alston today announced the release of an Environmental Assessment (EA) entitled Environmental Assessment for Desert View Improvements, Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino County Arizona.

The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to redevelop Desert View into a transportation hub on the East Rim with orientation and transit facilities. Proposed activities would occur at the Desert View area, and along Desert View Drive and the south entrance road within Grand Canyon National Park.

Proposed activities would implement a portion of the park's 1995 General Management Plan (GMP) that outlined A New Way to Visit through public transportation and enhanced educational and recreational opportunities. These proposed activities are part of a comprehensive effort to accommodate present and anticipated future visitation at Desert View. Existing facilities at Desert View do not adequately accommodate existing use during the peak summer months and contribute to resource degradation and a degraded visitor experience.

The EA analyzes three alternatives; a No Action Alternative and two action alternatives - Alternative B, the GMP Alternative and Alternative C, the Proposed Action. Proposed changes that are applicable to both action alternatives include, but are not limited to:

Relocation of Desert View Drive (previously referred to in the GMP as East Rim Drive), moving the roadway away from the visitor area of the rim;
road rehabilitation that would include three sections of Desert View Drive from milepost 247 to 253 and one section of the south entrance road;
construction of a parking lot to accommodate 450 private vehicles (including RVs) and 15 buses;
relocation of the existing Desert View Entrance Station;
construction of a shuttle bus loop and transit pavilion near the east end of the existing parking lot;
construction of an orientation facility;
conversion of the existing visitor contact station to a visitor services/management support building with changes that would include modification for accessibility and upgrade of utilities, mechanical systems and interior/exterior finishes;
conversion of an historic house to a bike rental facility;
construction of picnic and pedestrian areas;
relocation of the existing gift/deli shop.

The proposed action was designed as a refinement of the plans outlined in the GMP. For a complete description of the alternatives outlining the proposed changes at Desert View, please refer to the EA. Copies of the EA can be obtained by writing to the Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023, Attn: Sara White, Compliance Officer or by calling Ms. White at (928) 638-7956. The EA will also be available in the near future online at www.nps.gov/grca/compliance/. Comments will be accepted for a period of 30 days and should be sent to Sara White at the above address by Monday, August 27, 2002. For questions or additional information, contact Mark Johnston, Project Manager at (928) 638-7906. The GMP is currently available online at www.nps.gov/grca/gmp/.