August 19, 2008 – U.S. Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) gave the following statement on the flooding situation in the Grand Canyon and the breakage of the Redlands Dam, resulting in severe flooding and evacuations occurring in the Supai Canyon area.

“My office has received word that hundreds of campers, as well as members of the Havasupai tribe, have been evacuated due to the rising floodwaters, and several people remain unaccounted for.  More than 80 campers and 80 people from the Supai village were evacuated yesterday.  We remain in contact with the National Park Service and will continue to closely monitor the situation. 

“In the meantime, the deepest gratitude is due to the members of the Red Cross, the Hualapai Tribe, the volunteers for the Southern Baptist Association Feeding Team, and other organizations and community members whose names might never be known, who are making personal sacrifices of both their time and resources to make life-saving differences for their fellow community members.

“My thoughts are with the families and individuals who have been grievously affected by this situation, as well as with those whose friends and families are still missing.  It is my hope that they will feel both the prayers and tangible support of their community.”

Congressman Franks’s office has additionally received word that those displaced by the flooding are in need of basic supplies such as water and Gatorade.  These supplies can be delivered to the Red Cross shelter in the Hualapai Tribal Gym, 950 Rodeo Way, in Peach Springs, AZ, 86434.