The rough road to Homolovi State Park near Winslow could become a lot smoother if grant funding is received from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Several government agencies, including Arizona State Parks, the Hopi Tribe and the City of Winslow, have partnered to try to obtain a $2.24 million transportation investment generating economic recovery (TIGER) grant. Navajo County is supporting the effort.
If received, the grant funds would be used to rebuild the road leading to the park off of Highway 87. The road is in disrepair, and is filled with potholes and large cracks, and has been deteriorating for some time. The poor condition of the road is believed to deter some visitors concerned about potential damage to their vehicles. According to a letter submitted to the Department of Transportation by Navajo County, “Many potential visitors with large and expensive recreational vehicles skip the park for this very reason.”
The Arizona State Parks Board has set aside funds to make temporary repairs, such as patching potholes, but money is not available to complete the necessary permanent repairs, which will require rebuilding the entire road at a cost of more than $2 million.
“Since the system is not receiving any money from the state’s general fund and capital improvement money is inadequate to address all capital needs, state parks doesn’t have the necessary funding to complete a large, expensive project of this magnitude,” a letter supporting the grant application notes.
Homolovi attracts around 16,000 visitors per year and has a net economic impact of $1.3 million to the local economy, according to Navajo County. The park features ancient Hopi burial sites, kivas, pueblos and artifacts dating from 620 to 1400 AD. It also protects the Sunset Cemetery, the last remnant of a community founded in the late 1800s, which was later abandoned.
The grant being sought is competitive, and the applicants will need to prove the positive impact the funds will have on region.
Rangers at Homolovi have a series of special summer programs planned to help increase visitation and educate visitors about the park. The programs will alternate each Saturday, and include petroglyph tours, petrified wood walks, Hopi pottery talks and a sunset hike. The next program will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, and will feature the petroglyph tour. A petrified wood walk will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, and at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, the park will host a Hopi pottery talk. The programs will continue each Saturday throughout Sept. 19.
For more information on the park or the special summer programs, visit azstateparks.com/parks/huru or call (928) 289-4106.
