This browser does not support the Video element.
GLOBE, Ariz - Gila County will receive a $21 million federal grant to build a bridge over Tonto Creek where three young children died last November when a family’s truck was swept away in rural east-central Arizona, Sen. Martha McSally announced Sept. 10.
The Arizona Republican said the bridge to be funded by a U.S. Transportation Department grant “will provide safe passage over Tonto Creek during flooding, and provide critical access to school, health care, and work for residents who must currently take a 75-mile detour during floods.”
Siblings Willa Rawlings, 6, and Colby Rawlings, 5, and cousin Austin Rawlings, 5, died while trying to cross the creek about 75 miles northeast of Phoenix. Willa and Colby’s parents, Daniel and Lacey Rawlings, and four other children were rescued.
Colby, Austin and Willa Rawlings (Ashley Doubt & the Rawlings Family)
“No other family should have to experience this kind of unimaginable loss,” McSally said in a statement. “I appreciate the Transportation Department recognizing the lifesaving value of this bridge.”
McSally’s statement said a total of eight people have since 1995 while trying to cross the flooded creek.
Residents of the area have been pushing for a bridge over the river crossing for years.
Get breaking news alerts in the FOX 10 News app. It is FREE! Download for Apple iOS or Android.
Continuing Coverage
Parents of children who died in Tonto Basin facing manslaughter, child abuse charges
The parents of the three kids who died after being swept away by floodwaters in Tonto Basin are facing charges of manslaughter and child abuse by Gila County officials.
Arizona House passes bill to fund Tonto Creek bridge after 3 kids swept away by floodwaters
A bill that would fund the construction of the Tonto Creek Bridge in Gila County has passed in the Arizona House.
Ducey seeks federal funding for bridge after Arizona kids die in creek
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday asked the federal government to provide money to build a bridge over a creek where three children died when a family member tried to drive through surging storm runoff late last year.
State lawmakers may take up bill that will fund Tonto Basin bridge following tragedy that killed 3 children
This year could be the year a project to build a bridge over the Tonto Basin area gets state funding. This comes just weeks after an incident that killed three children