Yesterday, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) sent a bipartisan letter to National Park Service Acting Director Jessica Bowron. The letter calls for the approval of $28.36 million in funding under the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) to rebuild and upgrade water infrastructure managed by Page Utility Enterprises.
The effort was joined by Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ). Their goal is to secure reliable water access for the city of Page, nearby Navajo Nation communities, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The current water system serving these areas is more than 60 years old. It relies on a 12-inch intake pipeline through Glen Canyon Dam that cannot handle peak seasonal demands and faces risks from declining Lake Powell water levels. If levels drop below the pipe, Page Utility Enterprises may not be able to supply water.
Recent wildfires, including the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires, have damaged thousands of acres in northern Arizona and affected critical infrastructure. Combined with ongoing drought conditions, this has increased pressure on local leaders to find long-term solutions.
In 2020, Congress passed the GAOA, providing up to $1.3 billion each year for five years to modernize infrastructure and improve recreation access across national parks and public lands. Although the program’s initial five-year period has ended, lawmakers argue that this project aligns with GAOA’s objectives and should be considered if funds are available or if Congress reauthorizes the act.
Representative Crane stated: “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan letter to ensure Page and surrounding communities have reliable water delivery infrastructure. With the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires devastating the region, we must do more for what is a critical gateway to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.” He added: “I’m grateful to Reps. Stanton, Gosar, and Biggs for joining this effort, and we will continue pushing for a positive outcome.”
Eli Crane represents Arizona’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2023 after succeeding Tom O’Halleran; he was born in Tucson in 1980 and now resides in Oro Valley.
