Public can catch glimpse of repaired Scotty’s Castle
Valley Natural History Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Before the flood, Scotty’s Castle drew about 120,000 people per year, and nearly half took the hourlong tour to see the inside of the main house.
Since then, park service crews and contractors have moved the entire museum collection off-site to protect it from temperature and humidity changes, pests and risk of fire, flood and vandalism.
A temporary access route has been built to enable construction vehicles to reach the castle. Mud and debris have been removed from the historic buildings, walkways and swimming pool. A temporary water line now supplies water to the historic district’s fire suppression system. Electricity has been temporarily restored to most buildings.
Over the next couple years the NPS plans to repair the damaged water reservoir; replace the water supply line, septic tank and leach field; finish repairs to the electrical distribution system; rebuild the road; repair several buildings; install interpretive exhibits and bring the museum collection back to the main house, among dozens of other projects.
Recovery costs from the 2015 flooding in Death Valley are expected to reach $48 million. Contact Henry Brean at hbrean@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0350. Follow @RefriedBrean on Twitter.