News Release

Finding of No Significant Impact signed for the Maswik South Rebuild Environmental Assessment at Grand Canyon National Park

Date: February 27, 2019
Contact: Emily Davis, 928-638-7609

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed by Kate Hammond, Acting Regional Director for the Intermountain Region of the National Park Service for the rebuild of the Maswik South lodging complex and the construction of new roads near Maswik South at Grand Canyon National Park.

In October 2018 the National Park Service (NPS) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Maswik South rebuild and new road construction project. This EA, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), evaluated alternatives and analyzed the impacts that would likely result from implementing the alternatives. Public comments received during a 30-day public comment period were used in preparation of the FONSI.

The purpose of the project is to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles in the Maswik South area and provide sustainable lodging within the existing site footprint that meets visitor needs and expectations. The Maswik South lodging buildings were constructed in 1971 and have exceeded their expected useful life. Other existing infrastructure at Maswik South, such as sidewalks and roads, is also aging, in poor condition, or not compliant with current laws, codes and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

This project will include demolishing the six existing lodging buildings; constructing four new buildings in the existing site footprint; reconstructing existing roads and constructing one new section of road; replacing or installing utilities; and landscaping and other site improvements.

This project will also include constructing new sections of road near Maswik South to provide an alternate route from Grand Canyon Village to Rowe Well Road and reduce traffic at Maswik South.

The EA, FONSI and other reference documents can be found on the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/MaswikSouth.  

-NPS-