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Grand Canyon glass bridge to open Grand Canyon glass bridge to open
(20 minutes later)
Visitors to the Grand Canyon are to get stunning views from a raised glass platform being inaugurated on Tuesday.Visitors to the Grand Canyon are to get stunning views from a raised glass platform being inaugurated on Tuesday.
Rising 4,000ft (1,220m) from the canyon's floor and 70ft (20m) beyond its rim, the Skywalk is being described as an engineering first.Rising 4,000ft (1,220m) from the canyon's floor and 70ft (20m) beyond its rim, the Skywalk is being described as an engineering first.
The Hualapai Indians, who own the site, are hoping to attract visitors to a high unemployment area.The Hualapai Indians, who own the site, are hoping to attract visitors to a high unemployment area.
But some tribal members say this is a desecration of sacred ground and environmentalists are also concerned.But some tribal members say this is a desecration of sacred ground and environmentalists are also concerned.
Former astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin will be among the first to go onto the walkway.Former astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin will be among the first to go onto the walkway.
How the Skywalk measures up to other constructions How the Skywalk measures up to other constructions
Construction of the Skywalk began in March 2004 - and will open to the public on 28 March with 120 people allowed on the platform at any one time.Construction of the Skywalk began in March 2004 - and will open to the public on 28 March with 120 people allowed on the platform at any one time.
The bridge will be able to sustain winds in excess of 100mph (161km/h), as well as an 8.0-magnitude earthquake within 50 miles (80.5km).The bridge will be able to sustain winds in excess of 100mph (161km/h), as well as an 8.0-magnitude earthquake within 50 miles (80.5km).
SKYWALK FACT Aerial viewsSKYWALK FACT Aerial views
Las Vegas businessman David Jin raised the money to build the Skywalk which will be given to the Hualapai in exchange for a percentage of the profits.Las Vegas businessman David Jin raised the money to build the Skywalk which will be given to the Hualapai in exchange for a percentage of the profits.
"When we have so much poverty and so much unemployment, we have to do something," Sheri Yellowhawk, told the Associated Press news agency."When we have so much poverty and so much unemployment, we have to do something," Sheri Yellowhawk, told the Associated Press news agency.
"It sounded like a good idea.""It sounded like a good idea."
The BBC's Andy Gallacher says that, for the majority, this is an investment that will bring much needed cash.The BBC's Andy Gallacher says that, for the majority, this is an investment that will bring much needed cash.
But some members of the Hualapai tribe have voiced concerns that the project will disturb sacred lands.But some members of the Hualapai tribe have voiced concerns that the project will disturb sacred lands.
"When that Skywalk came about it hit me like I was being stabbed," said Dolores Honga, a tribal elder."When that Skywalk came about it hit me like I was being stabbed," said Dolores Honga, a tribal elder.
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