William Rhodes, the suspended governor of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, has been seeking approval to open a hotel, restaurant and other businesses on land he owns on the reservation.

Rhodes is negotiating a lease for the businesses. But in a December 2005 letter, prior to him taking office as governor, he complained to Arizona's Congressional delegation that the Bureau of Indian Affairs was slowing down the process by asking for an appraisal and a full environmental review of the project.

Since taking office in January, Rhodes has been pushing the tribe to allow a portion of a state freeway on the reservation. The tribe has previously rejected the idea.

Get the Story:
Tribal leader wants hotel on his own land (The Arizona Republic 6/3)

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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