FILE - In this May 22, 2014, file photo, smoke rises from the Slide Fire as it burns up Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, Ariz. The scenic Arizona canyon will soon have much-needed cell phone coverage thanks to a newly approved tower. Oak Creek Canyon is one of Arizona's most popular outdoor destinations, and the tower will be built on a designated scenic corridor where travelers usually get a view of the canyon's landscape. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
Republished March 23, 2017 - 2:01 PM
Original Publication Date March 23, 2017 - 12:00 PM
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - A scenic Arizona canyon will soon have much-needed cellphone coverage thanks to a newly approved tower.
Coconino County supervisors voted Tuesday to approve the tower in Oak Creek Canyon despite fierce opposition from residents, the Arizona Daily Sun reported (http://bit.ly/2nN5en2 ).
Supporters cite a 2014 wildfire that consumed part of the canyon as a major reason to add the cellphone tower. Spotty cellphone service caused some people to miss emergency notifications sent out by authorities during the fire. Sedona Fire District Marshal Jon Davis said it was difficult to relay crucial information via phone in the area during the fire.
"We believe this to be an urgent matter of public safety which should be taken into consideration with the utmost alacrity," Robert Rowley, former director of the Coconino County Department of Emergency Management, wrote in support of the tower.
Oak Creek Canyon is one of Arizona's most popular outdoor destinations, and the tower will be built on a designated scenic corridor where travellers usually get a view of the canyon's landscape.
Residents argue it will be placed too close to homes and say the company building the tower has not done enough to find alternative locations. County authorities acknowledge that the structure will be in a zone where new towers and other facilities are not preferred, but they noted that another cell tower and a water tank already exist in that area.
The tower will operated by Commnet Wireless, providing cellphone coverage for AT&T and allowing other carriers such as T-Mobile to offer roaming options.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017