PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- It was the kind of tragedy that sent shockwaves across the Arizona. Three small children were found dead, after getting swept away in rising flood waters when their family truck tried to cross Tonto Creek the day after Thanksgiving 2019.
[WATCH:Â Tonto Creek tragedy and how to prevent more like it]
On Tuesday, family and friends of the victims were at the state Capitol, looking to turn their pain and suffering into something positive.
Bill Rawlings is the children's grandfather. "I hope no family ever has to go through something like this for any reason," he said.Â
Rawlings was at the state Capitol to show support for two new pieces of legislation that would provide $20 million in funding to build a new bridge over the Tonto Basin Creek.
"I honestly feel there should be a bridge built," said Rawlings. "It's a tragedy that it has to come to the point to get the attention needed to get something done."
[MORE COVERAGE: TRAGEDY IN TONTO CREEK]
Over the years, community members have complained that during heavy rains they get trapped on one side of the creek or the other, and getting across puts lives at risk.
Gila County has reportedly made several attempts to apply for federal funding to build a bridge but has been rejected every time. Melody Bell is a friend of the Rawlings family and came to the state Capitol to show her support for what they are doing.
"People that live in Tonto Basin need medical care, help getting to school, and people going to work," said Bell. "This isn't just about safety, it's infrastructure that needs to be built for the people of that town."
Rawlings pleaded his case in front of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He knows that building a new bridge won't come cheap, but you can't put a price on a child's life.
"This needs to happen so that no other tragedy happens to any other family," said Bell.
Gov. Doug Ducey has sent a letter to the federal government asking for financial assistance building a new bridge at Tonto Creek Basin.
