Save the Confluence opposes development plans in the Grand Canyon. Photo from STC

The National Park Service is raising objections to a Navajo Nation tourism project.

The Grand Canyon Escalade includes a tramway that will carry tourists to the floor of the Grand Canyon National Park. NPS, however, says no development can occur on either side of the Colorado River because the land falls under federal, not tribal, jurisdiction.

Tribal members are also concerned about the project. They say the project will harm a sacred site at the confluence of the Colorado and the Little Colorado rivers.

"That's where our spirits go back to," Renae Yellowhorse of Save the Confluence told The Los Angeles Times. "My father passed away last March. That's where he resides. If there is a development there, where are our prayers going to go?"

NPS is waiting for more information from the tribe before presenting its official position, the Times said.

Get the Story:
National Park Service calls development plans a threat to Grand Canyon (The Los Angeles Times 7/6)

Related Stories:
Native Sun News: Opposition to Grand Canyon tourist project (06/10)
Navajo community divided on Grand Canyon tourist attractionm (11/29)
Hopi Tribe passes resolution opposing Navajo Nation business (10/10)
Navajo Nation sees opposition to Grand Canyon tourism project (7/31)