Arizona republican., 1920-11-17

ASSN. IS PLANNED. WILLIAMS, Ariz., Nov. 1s.-First announcement of the proposed organi- eauon of the Phoenix Grand Canyon llsnway association was made here on saturday at a meeting held in the Indian room of the Fray Marcos hotel. Ihe meeting consisted of representa- tives Of the commercial bodies of Will nafns and Flagstaff to confer with stephen G. Mather, director of the bu- reau of national parks and D. L. Ray burn, superintendent of Grand Canyon national park, each of whom addressed the meeting, telling of plans for Grand Canyon park and urging the necessity or providing proper roads from old Trails national highway into the park. blrector Mather pointed out what a wonderful asset Grand Canyon is to the entire state of Arizona and was surprised to learn that there is no first class highway extending north and south through the state to con- nect the southern border with Grand canyon and tho other attractions of the northern part of the state, which he declared should be to the people of Arizona what the Yosemite is to the people of California.
 Organize at Once
 As Q result of the meeting, steps are to be taken at once for the organiza- ton of the Phoenix Grand Canyon Highway association and an effort made for state highway from Phoe- nix to Fl Tovar. The organization will be composed principally of citizens of Maricopa, Yavapai and Coconino counties. although outsiders will be permitted to join.f Director Mather having asked that he be allowed mem hership, and his name will head the list.
 While it would appear at first sug- gestion that a Phoenix-Grand Canyon highway is an undertaking of huge magnitude, closer examination will show that 1t is not the stupendous task that it at first appears to be. 1t was pointed out by speakers at the meet ing. A glance at the map of Arizona win show that El Tovar is due north of Phoenix. each being located just to tho east of what is known as the Salt River meridian.
 A road map of Arizona will show the Black Canyon road leading north out of Phoenix and deviating but slightly to the east or west until it crosses the Agua F'ria at Canon, the county line. From this point on through Yavapai
  passing through Rumble Bee, Cordes, Mayer and arriving at Humboldt.
 But One Link Lacking
 Up to this point practically all of the road in Yavapai county. has been constructed and the Black Canyon road in Maricopa county is provided for, 1t is stated, under agreement. be- tween the boards of supervisors At Humboldt the road turns to the west, going to Prescott, but different road continues on north to Jerome
 Up to this point the road is now built or provided for. Jerome and Clarkdale arc connected and then comes the one link that Is necessary to give tho people of the south and north direct road communication. This link is 51 miles long Ind extends from Clarkdale to Williams. From Williams to Grand Canyon the road is already in fair condition and other plans provA6e for it's permanent improvement
 The regular session of the fourth legislature created the Williams Clarkdale highway and appropriated work. With this as a basis. it is ex- pected that the Phoenix-Grand Canyon Highway association will have small opposition in securing the designation of this as a state highway and the ap- plication of state and federal aid funds for it's building.
 As the Phoenix Grand Canyon high way would be an important link in the scheme of military roads, 1t is expected that additional federal aid may be se- cured At no point in the proposed road from Phoenix to Grand Canyon does it diverge more than six miles east or west of the Salt River meri- dian.
 Yavapai in Sympathy
 Already the interests of Yavapa county have been sounded in this con nection and sympathy with the move ment is expressed. Such a highway n is pointed out, would bring Jerom' ard CIarkdale in close touch with thu main line railroad and also give thes' towns better communication with tn south and the state capital.
 Leading citizens of Prescott hay expressed their approval of a Phoenix Grand Canyon highway, realizing tn great advantages that 1t will giv Prescott. Prescott Is now connecte' with Jerome by one of tho finest high ways in the state and what was for merly a tiresome journey is now de elrable pleasure ride over one of tn finest scenic roads in the West, whicl is most attractive to tourists
 While Prescott has two excellen roads to the south. the present roa to the north is almost impassabl through Chino valley throughout mos of the year. The proposed Phoenix Grand Canyon road would give Pres colt her desired outlet to the north.
 Steps are to be taken at once TO the organization of the Phoenix-Gran Canyon Highway association and tn preliminary work necessary for ii presentation for consideration by stat and federal authorities will be beguI Consideration of the Arizona Stat Highway association will be sought 8 its next meeting and a bill will be in troduced in the legislature looking the construction of the road as a stat highway. nrrEHgTrr ATrnA nWI