State Rep. David Cook, chairman of the Arizona House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, sent a letter Thursday to the Arizona Department of Transportation asking for the inclusion of improvements to State Route 88, the historic Apache Trail, in ADOT’s five-year plan.

The letter was sent to Jennifer Toth, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, saying the route was "critical" for the region.

“As chairman of the House Transportation Committee, I want to express my willingness to do what is necessary to finish this project and get it included in the department’s plan,” Chairman Cook wrote in his letter, according to a release. “It is critical for the local area and the state that we get this project finished for the benefit of all Arizonans.”

Cook is an advocate for reopening and improving the section of SR88 from Fish Creek Hill Overlook/Rest Area (milepost 222) to milepost 229. This segment has been closed since 2019 due to damage caused by the Woodbury Fire and subsequent flooding from Tropical Storm Lorena, the release states.

SR88 plays a role in providing access to Arizona’s natural attractions including Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and Tonto National Monument. Cook recently said his strong support for FY25 Community Project Funding to reopen SR88 and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the project is completed successfully, according to the release

Cook’s letter is at https://bit.ly/4bnPcnG.

Cook is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 7, which includes Pinal, Gila, Coconino and Navajo counties. He is chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House International Trade Committee. He is on X @RepDavidCook.