"I want to say a big "thank you" to the Gila River Indian Community for its willingness to enter into talks with the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration on the options for the potential placement of the proposed South Mountain Freeway on their land.

This is a very sound business decision because once everything is on the table they can make a fully informed decision about which option best aligns with their long-term business plans.

If the Gila River Indian Community decides to allow the freeway on their land, there will be millions of dollars from ADOT for purchasing rights-of-way. But more importantly the tribe stands to receive billions in revenue over the next century from the commercial developments that will be located on their land on both sides of the freeway."

Get the Story:
Jim Jochim: Tribe wise to talk freeway options (The Arizona Republic 11/22)

Relevant Links:
Gila River Indian Community - http://www.gric.nsn.us
Gila River Indian Community economic development - http://www.gilariverdevelopment.com

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