"Few people disagree on the need to build the South Mountain Freeway. But few people would say that the proposed route through Ahwatukee Foothills is ideal. It would require blasting through a beloved mountain preserve, bulldozing homes and impacting a large swath of suburban development.

Now, the Gila River Indian Community is willing to consider allowing the alignment on tribal land

It's a welcome alternative that has been mentioned for years but has never before been really on the table. A lot of discussion lies ahead, and the deal is far from a sure thing.

The tribe's preference, reiterated at a recent meeting with The Republic's Editorial Board, is not to have the freeway built at all.

But the Arizona Department of Transportation's planned alignment would require leveling three ridgelines at the western end of South Mountain, which is sacred to the Gila River Community. Tribal Gov. William Rhodes said that if the road is going ahead, building it on tribal land is preferable to destroying part of the mountain."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Tribal route preferable to harming preserve (The Arizona Republic 2/9)

Related Stories:
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)