Gila River Indian Community considers freeway thru reservation

Tuesday, January 18, 2011  

Members of the Gila River Indian Community of Arizona have been discussing the possibility of hosting a part of the South Mountain Freeway on the reservation.

The tribe historically was opposed to the idea. But tribal members have heard about potential economic and environmental benefits to the project.

Still, many tribal members "are opposed to a freeway, period," spokesperson Alia Maisonet told The Arizona Republic. "They don't want it on the reservation or anywhere else," she said.

The tribal council could make a decision on the issue or put a vote to the membership.

Get the Story:
South Mountain Freeway plan weighed by Gila River tribe (The Arizona Republic 1/17)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Gila River Tribe takes a look at the highway (2/9)
Gila River Tribe urged to allow freeway thru reservation (2/2)
Editorial: Gila River Tribe opens door to freeway talks (12/18)
Gila River Tribe open to highway thru reservation (12/16)