The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1921-06-24

Our most important present road project at
the canyon undoubtedly is the requirement. of the
Kim road. Only horse travel was permitted on
this road directed the opening of the road tn
motor travel, and the public transportation serv
ice was changed from horse to motor-propelled
vehicles Since then the road has suffered a great
deal from the heavy travel over it. Eight miles
In length, 1t was paved in 1913 by the Santa Fe
railroad In order that attractive trip might be
available for winter visitors. II was practically
worn out when taken by us. and is only
single width and not adapted to two-way travel
! have also submitted an estimate to commence
the construction of rim road eastwaxl from FL
Tovar toward Desert View. Upon its completion,
within two or three years, We will have rim
road drive from Hermit Rest the west of official
headquarters to Desert View a distance of over
40 miles. For scenic beauty it win challenge com.
parison
The estimates also include an item for secur
ing right of way for the Ell Tovar-Desert View
Rim road. hope this expenditure of government
funds will not be necessary, feel that the priv
ate holdings which will be crossed by the pro-
posed road will be- sufficiently benefited by it's
construction to make il TO the advantage of the
owners of these lands to donate a right of way.
l feel sure these owners are so public spirited as
to take this point of view, and Il at in donating
this right of way they not only benefting them
selves and Grand Canyon park but also the people
who visit the park.
nance work on the Rim road and other upkeep
work on the other park roads, the present Ell
TOvaI-Desert View road has been widened
Strengthened, and reshaped for about one-half its
entire length Many dangerous curves and grades
have been eliminated and the general condition
Of the road improved.
"a complete telephone system which win con-
meet the north and south rim of the canyon and
the ranger stations that will be built for tile
ranger force is one of our future needs This can
be postponed until next year, aud / have not in
cluded 1t in my estimates TO congress 1t may be
practicable to connect the north and south rims
by wireless either telephone telegraph and
this question is receiving careful study.
"fhere are some developments planned by the
Santa Fe railroad in Grand canyon, one of which
is the construction of water system which will
probably have for its source Bright Angel creek
ON the north side of the river. and possibly the
establishment. of small power plant on that
creek. The establishment of an adequate water
supply for the south rim of the canyon is serious
problem and one that must soon be definitely
solved Water on the north rim near Bright Ana;.
Point is secured at present from several small
springs, that with little Improvement will probnbI,
be adequate In quantity and quality On the
south rim of the canyon, however the hotel and
railroad have to Raul their water by train from
Del Rio about l25 miles distant Every gallon Of
water has to come that distance. The trem.nfon,
daily cost OF this is at once apparent aud m,
great desIrability of installing some sys,sm h,
which water can be pumped either from ~. aool
of the canyon, about mile below the surf. - n
the rim, or from elsewhere Is obvious II 4. an
parent that travel may sometime reach n po,n
where with the present method of securing wate
We will not be able to secure a sufficient ouantit
of that precious fluid TO supply each traveller
"The organic act creating this park authorize
us TO negotiate with the county of Coconino 20
tile purchase OF Its rights In the Bright Angel to,
road and trail and to report to congress the fern
upon which this property can be secured An Of
fort has been made the past year to arrive st som
satisfactory basis of settlement with .,,A rount -
Goconino for the transfer of the Bright Anso
trail but thus far without definite results On
engineer department has, however made nro,in,
mary examination of the situation, COVERING !,
fact the entire trail situation in the park
Probably the greatest problem Confronting a.
service upon its taking over the administrot,n
of the park the existence of the MANY o,ais,
of alleged mineral value. Among these yoro aN, Az
claims located by Ralph Fl, Cameron. which ha -,
been In litigation for several years. TWENTY tn
Cameron claims have been declared invalid o.
den Eagle, Cape Horn, Wizard Alder min Nv Nv
Willow mill site, Magician, Banjo Millionaire S
tinel Treasure, Peg Leg, Hill Top Sunaowar s,a
stone, Goldenoia, Ida May Buttinskv Cho,o osni'
Dakotah, Hammock, Apache, Folly Hermit Gnr~n