Arrr! The Grand Canyon be gettin' a fine treasure o' $27.5 million from the feds to spruce up their swashbucklin' shuttle coaches!
2023-07-06
Arrr, me hearties! The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona be gettin' 30 shiny new vessels as part o' a replacement quest. The park be receivin' a jolly $27.5 million in federal booty to upgrade these majestic land ships.
Grand Canyon National Park is receiving $27.5 million in federal highway funds to update its fleet of shuttle buses. These buses are crucial in transporting the over 4 million visitors who come to the park each year. The project will involve the acquisition of 30 new buses, with 20 running on compressed natural gas and 10 being electric buses. Charging stations will also be installed to support the electric buses. The aim of this upgrade is to reduce pollution and alleviate the issue of overcrowding vehicles within the park.The park boasts a vast network of over 270 miles of paved and unpaved roads. This grant announcement comes at a time when tragic incidents within the park have highlighted the need for improved safety measures. A recent news article reported the death of a hiker who fell unconscious during an 8-mile trek in extreme heat. Therefore, the funding for the shuttle bus upgrade is seen as a step towards enhancing visitor safety and overall park management.
The grant was announced by representatives from the Department of Transportation, Interior Department, the park itself, and surrounding communities. Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt emphasized the significance of this funding in supporting President Biden's Investing in America agenda. The aim is to ensure safe, sustainable, and reliable transportation options for families and visitors who want to explore the Grand Canyon National Park and its neighboring communities.
In summary, Grand Canyon National Park is receiving a substantial grant to modernize its shuttle bus fleet. The upgrade includes the acquisition of 30 new buses, with 20 running on compressed natural gas and 10 being electric buses. This initiative aims to reduce pollution and address vehicle overcrowding within the park. The funding announcement comes in the wake of a tragic incident involving a hiker who fell unconscious during a trek in extreme heat, highlighting the importance of improved safety measures. The grant is part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda and is intended to support safe and sustainable transportation for visitors exploring the park and nearby communities.