Yavapai County Questions Red Rock Crossing NEPA Funding

        On March 16, 1998, at the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting in Cottonwood, Arizona, a public discussion was held to review the Supervisor’s positions on additional County funding of the U. S. Forest Service NEPA process for Red Rock Crossing.

        Yavapai County Public Works Director Richard Straub stated $351,800 had been spent so far on alternate route studies. He said Sedona Ranger District Lands Officer Judy Adams indicated up to $350,000 in additional funds might be needed to complete the current NEPA.

        Sedona District Ranger Ken Anderson reminded the Supervisors that Straub’s figure included $165,000 which the Forest Service had on deposit from the County and had not yet spent.

        The current plan is to divide the responsibilities -- and split the expenses -- of the Alternate Crossing of Oak Creek NEPA between Yavapai County, the U. S. Forest Service and hired outside consultants.

        When asked by Supervisor Bill Feldmeier to estimate what these outside consultants might eventually cost the County, Anderson responded that "it could go as high as $300,000, based on our estimates." Until the contracts actually go out to bid, Anderson explained, he couldn’t be certain what the exact costs would be.

        Replying to a question from Supervisor Gheral Brownlow about Forest Service "administrative costs," Anderson replied that certain expenses would have to be passed through to the County to cover time and effort of selected Forest Service staff. Again, he reiterated, the exact figures were uncertain at this time.

        Supervisor Feldmeier, noticeably agitated, told Anderson, "I’ll have to tell you I’m not going there. I’m not going to do it. I just can’t do it anymore. I feel like I’ve been pulled and jerked and twisted. I just want to make a decision and move on and the cost to make any decision keeps going up. Send us the money back. Do it for less. I’m not going to do any more."

        "I think we ought to ask for our money back," added Supervisor Brownlow.

        When asked by Supervisor Chip Davis if there wasn’t a cheaper way to conduct this NEPA, Anderson said the Forest Service could do everything itself – but not as rapidly as the County wants. He told Davis Forest Service budgeting takes time and it could take years to complete if they had to do all the work.

        Speaking at an April 2, 1998 meeting of the Sedona Republican Men’s Club, Supervisor Feldmeier restated his opposition to any additional NEPA funding. "I’m not going to play the game anymore. I said that at the last meeting [of the Board of Supervisors] that I’m not spending any more money on this thing. I was happy to hear Brownlow say he wanted our money back. I’m ready to accept it. Give me the check."

        This issue is scheduled for further review and discussion at the April 20, 1998 Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting.

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