Residents of Grand Canyon gateway community vote overwhelmingly for incorporation

Residents vote to incorporate Grand Canyon town

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Early results show residents of a small Arizona community that serves as a gateway to the Grand Canyon’s popular South Rim have voted to incorporate.

Tuesday’s election was the second attempt to incorporate Tusayan (TOO’-say-ohn) after a September 2008 effort failed.

Tusayan is comprised of 144 acres of private land with scattered housing, hotels, restaurants and shops. Officials say 244 people were registered to vote Tuesday but only 183 cast ballots.

Unofficial results show 115 voters — 63 percent — backed the incorporation plan.

Supporters of incorporation say it will give residents a stake in their community and an ability to levy a sales tax on money spent by tourists headed to the Grand Canyon.

But critics say it would promote unbridled growth that would cheapen tourists’ experience in an area famous for its natural beauty.

______

On The Net:

Coconino County Elections, www.coconino.az.gov/elections