Gov. Katie Hobbs visits Grand Canyon National Park after deadly flash flooding

GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) - Nearly three weeks after deadly flash flooding devastated parts of the Grand Canyon, Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) traveled to the South Rim Saturday to get a firsthand look at the recovery.

The disaster killed three hikers, forced more than 80 people to be rescued, and damaged about five miles of the park's critical water line.

"Come to the Grand Canyon. It is open." That's the message Gov. Hobbs wanted visitors to hear after touring the South Rim and meeting with the teams managing the recovery.

While the park remains open, overnight lodging inside the park is still unavailable.

The August 29 flooding followed a burst of rain that dropped about two-thirds of an inch in just 15 minutes.

Bright Angel Creek rose more than five feet in just ten minutes, sending water, boulders and debris through the canyon.

Three hikers were killed, while more than 80 people had to be rescued.

According to park representatives, the flood damaged about 40% of the 12-and-a-half-mile transcanyon waterline, affecting approximately five miles of the system.

The line provides drinking water and fire protection for Grand Canyon Village, park operations and millions of annual visitors.

A $208 million project to rehabilitate the aging system was already underway before the flood and officials say most of that new infrastructure escaped serious damage.

Once pumping resumes from Bright Angel Creek, it will take about 45 days to completely refill the park's storage tanks.

Hobbs also met with leaders from the nation park, several surrounding counties, and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

According to the governor's office, they discussed the economic impact of the flooding and the work required to restore overnight operations without compromising safety.

Hobbs also said the state is also helping facilitate federal disaster-recovery loans for affected small businesses.