Concessions Contract Will Cost Grand Canyon National Park $100 Million

"A new concessions contract for businesses on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will cost the park $100 million, an amount that could impact just about all operations in the park, Superintendent Dave Uberuaga said Wednesday. In the long run, however, the move stands to benefit both the park and its visitors, observers believe.

Though costly -- the $100 million appears to be the largest sum the National Park Service has ever paid to make a concessions contract more appealing -- the transaction aims to make this contract, and others down the road, more competitive by making them somewhat more affordable to a range of companies.

“Competition drives services, drives quality, drives a lot of things in terms of what the visitor will experience," Superintendent Uberuaga said during a phone call. "So it enhances ... whatever the concession is to carry out. In general, the competitive nature creates better services and a higher return to the government.”"

Kurt Repanshek reports for National Parks Traveler August 14, 2014.