Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:        April 8, 2011         

Contact: Stefani Zimmerman, 202-225-2315

Rep. Gosar Commends Forest Service for Moving Forward on Inner-Basin Pipeline Reconstruction Project Authorization

U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) commends the U.S. Forest Service for taking the critical first-step in issuing a temporary special use permit for construction activities to the City of Flagstaff for the Inner-Basin Pipeline Reconstruction Project. 

On April 8^th, Coconino National Forest, in conjunction with the City of Flagstaff, announced the public comment period for the reconstruction plans. This comment period, required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is the first step in the Forest Service’s authorization process.

The inner basin drinking water pipeline provides a key water source for the City of Flagstaff, providing 20 percent of the City’s water supply in the summer months. This pipeline, located on U.S. Forest Service administered land, was severed or exposed in 17 different locations during the Shultz Fire floods.  The Forest Service’s special use permit before the City can begin reconstruction efforts. 

“I appreciate the Forest Service’s swift action to start the Inner-Basin Pipeline Reconstruction.  It is critical the special use permit is issued in a timely manner so the City can begin the repair of this critical water infrastructure during the short construction season,” said Gosar. “I am pleased with the progress made since Chief Tidwell’s visit and will continue to work with the Forest Service and other relevant government agencies in an active partner in the short- and long-term Schultz Fire recovery efforts.” 

“The U.S. Forest Service has been very responsive and cooperative to the City’s planning needs with regards to reconstruction of the Inner Basin Pipeline,” said Kevin Burke, the City Manager for the City of Flagstaff. “We certainly appreciate Congressman Gosar for arranging a meeting with Chief Tidwell, Regional Forester Newman and others.”

On May 25^th, Congressman Gosar, US Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, Southwestern Regional forester Corbin Newman, and Coconino National Forest Service Earl Stewart toured the Shultz Fire burn met with officials from Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, and local homeowners to discuss future flood mitigation and fire recovery efforts.  This summit was the result of the Congressman’s persistent advocacy on behalf of our community in Washington, DC.  More information regarding the specific actions the Congressman has taken can be found at http://gosar.house.gov/search/node/Schultz.

The Forest Service press release announcing the release of the reconstruction plans can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/news/2011/2011-04-08-pipeline.shtml.

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