A project to repave the 3,800-foot runway at Grapevine Airstrip (88AZ) in Roosevelt, Arizona, is now complete.
Cost of the project was shared by the U.S. Forest Service, the Arizona Pilots Association (APA), and the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) through a Master Challenge Cost Share Agreement. Tonto National Forest paid $15,000 towards the $30,000 project, while APA came up with $10,000, and RAF kicked in $5,000.
“Hundreds of volunteers from APA, the 99s, and the RAF gave their time, money, sweat, and even blood — everything has thorns in the Sonoran Desert — cooperating with the US Forest Service to restore the airport to a safe condition,” reported RAF Arizona Liaison Mark Spencer.
Grapevine has become popular with recreational flyers from the Phoenix area and central Arizona, he adds.
“As one of only two asphalt airstrips we know of on Forest Service lands, it is also frequently used by National Guard helicopters, Air Force Search and Rescue training, and has been a critical part of fire operations over the last two years for the Forest service,” Spencer said.
“Grapevine is an example of what can be accomplished through partnering,” he added.
For information on Grapevine, check out RAF’s Airfield Guide.
Thanks For Sharing The Informative Blog.
Congratulations to all, and for showing that government and the private sector/NGOs to work together for a good result.
Where can one peruse the various contracts which had to be involved?
Congratulations to all, and for showing that it is possible for government and the private sector/NGOs to work together for a good result.
Where can one peruse the various contracts which had to be involved?
Mark and Stefanie Spencer have done so much for Arizona Aviation along with many others from the Arizona Pilots Assoc. and Recreational Aviation Foundation. And thanks to wonderful Forest Service cooperation and leadership, Arizona citizens get to enjoy our God given right to this land.
Is there some missing zeros? For 30k, you could get a small driveway repaved.