Hualapai Tribe votes for takeover of Grand Canyon Skywalk

Thursday, February 9, 2012  

The Hualapai Tribe of Arizona is taking over the Grand Canyon Skywalk from its non-Indian operator.

The tribal council voted to exercise eminent domain over the business. David Jin, who built the attraction, will be compensated with $11 million.

“The Tribe did not ask for this dispute,” councilman Charles Vaughn said in a statement that was quoted in news reports. “But we have made a sincere effort through private negotiations with Mr. Jin, and he still refuses to make the most basic concessions and complete the work he promised. His participation has been unproductive and created countless delays. At this point, there are simply no other options.”

The tribe said Jin failed to live up to his end of the deal.

Get the Story:
Ariz. tribe declares eminent domain over Grand Canyon Skywalk, severs agreement with developer (AP 2/8)
Tribe votes to take over Skywalk management (The Arizona Republic 2/9)

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Hualapai Tribe demands apology from operator of Skywalk attraction (8/19)
Developer to return to federal court in feud with Hualapai Tribe (8/4)
Hualapai Tribe to meet with Skywalk partner after court ruling (6/28)
Judge rules Skywalk partner must go to Hualapai Tribe court (6/24)
Opinion: Another side to the Grand Canyon Skywalk dispute (6/13)
Hualapai Tribe: Grand Canyon Skywalk will be world-class (6/6)
NYT story about Hualapai Tribe among the most popular (4/25)
Operator of Grand Canyon Skywalk battles Hualapai Tribe (4/14)