2-24-2009
Jan Brewer, Governor
Sylvia Allen, State Senator
Jack K. Brown, State Representative
Bill Konopnicki, State Represenative
RE: Closure of the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
The closure of Tonto Natural Bridge either on a temporary or semi-permanent basis would be an economic disaster for the Rim Country communities you represent of Payson, Pine, Strawberry and Star Valley.
Tourism is the Rim Country’s economic engine and the loss of the nearly100,000 visitors which spend some $3.6 million in our communities would create an even greater economic hardship that already exists in this area.
The operation of Tonto Natural Bridge State park costs the state little or nothing. A presentation to the Arizona State Parks Board on Feb. 20 by its own staff members said the park was self-supporting and the cost to the state was zero. So why close the park? Not only do fees charged cover the cost of operations, they provide money to make payments on the loan through which the state bought the park.
The Arizona State Parks Board says it decided to close the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, on a “temporary” basis, for repairs. Close the entire park to repair a leaking roof is ridiculous. Also, it has come to our attention that this “temporary” closure may be permanent or for such a period that it will drastically affect the economy of our five communities. Please see attached e-mail from Mr. Jay Ream, assistant director, Parks Division.
In response to our concerns, the state parks board has urged all potential closed park communities to go to you, our legislators, and ask that HB 2088 be passed quickly to allow for the funding of the 11 potentially closing state parks. So it would seem, our communities are being held ransom for political reasons.
We know the state has budget problems, but don’t allow those problems to adversely affect the economic well-being of our communities. Don’t take away one of our most important assets.
The Rim Country Regional Chamber Board and its 390 members are deeply concerned about the closure of Tonto Bridge, even on a temporary basis. Our economy has been blasted by water and fire problems, and now housing. These problems, combined with the current economic downturn, if combined with the closure of the major tourist attraction in Rim Country would potentially destroy one or more of our rural communities.
In order to further understand the ramifications of these closures, the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce requests an immediate “Town Hall Meeting” with all of you as we consider this an emergency situation.
We know you are busy at the legislature, but the closing of the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park could cost Rim Country communities dearly and the community needs to have a meeting with you on this matter within the next two weeks.
This meeting needs to be open to all concerned citizens, and would serve to assist our community in supporting our greatest natural attraction and a major economic engine of our area.
Please understand that the loss of the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park will significantly impact businesses, business taxes and our existence in Rim Country.
I ask that you respond in a timely manner, in order that adequate meeting space may be acquired.
Thank you for your time and your assistance. We look forward to your response.
John Stanton
Chamber Manager
Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce
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