Shannon Rivers making a comment during the South Mountain 202 referendum in Sacaton, AZ. Seated left to right, Michael Mercado and Wayne Nelson, Jr.
Representatives from Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Maricopa Associations of Governments (MAG), I-10 Pecos Landowners Association, Gila River Against Loop 202 and Gila River Alliance for a Clean Environment presented before a crowd of GRIC members at the Sacaton Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley.
GRIC Community Manager, David White, presided over the forum, which allowed each group to present and answer questions from GRIC members. All the parties that presented had booths to dispense information and interface with the attendees.
ADOT and MAG had a joint overview of the proposed South Mountain Freeway. The proposed corridor had first been evaluated in 1985.
In 2010, former GRIC Governor William R. Rhodes sent a letter to ADOT outlining several stipulations for ADOT to study an on-reservation alignment. In his letter there were a number of points he specified to mitigate the impacts of the freeway such as avoiding cultural significant sites, observing wildlife and traditional routes.
“We understand the concerns of the Community that’s why we’re here today,” said Steve Paisley from ADOT. Paisley said they would continue to maintain the wildlife, cultural sites, air quality, noise reduction and wildlife crossings between South Mountain and the Sierra Estrellas.
When asked about the Environmental Statement, ADOT/MAG said that they are waiting for the pending decision from GRIC on Feb. 7, 2012. A Draft Environmental Statement is ready to go for the E-1 Alignment, also known as the Pecos Alternative.
A no-build option was studied as an alternative, but does not satisfy the purpose of need for the corridor according to ADOT/MAG studies.
The I-10 Pecos Landowners Association were represented by Wayne Nelson, Jr. and Michael Mercado.
There would be significant economic development opportunities if GRIC members voted for the Loop 202 to be built within its borders, according to the I-10 Pecos Landowners Association.
They also presented a 1998 GRIC Resolution GR-80-98, also known as the Gila Borderlands Study. The Borderlands Study covers a regional planning study for possible development to GRIC’s northern borders. The resolution states that the, “general boundaries of the planning area include the area bounded by the Gila River Indian Community (the “Community”) boundary on the north, the Price Road Community boundary on the east, 59th Avenue on the west, and the Maricopa/Pinal County boundary on the south…”
The study was prompted by the urban growth adjacent to GRIC’s northern boundary.
“The Community has been aware of a freeway alignment and economic development in the area listed in the Border Land Study passed by Community Council,” stated in a document by the I-10 Landowners Association.
“Landowners and tribal community members have the right to develop our lands for the benefit of our families, future and prosperity,” the document also stated.
“Every landowner has the right to do what they want,” said Nelson.
Linda Paloma Allen and Lori Riddle represented Gila River Against Loop 202 and Gila River Alliance for a Clean Environment (GRACE) respectively.
“We are not opposed to economic development,” said Allen as long as doesn’t compromise GRIC’s welfare and health.
Riddle examined the damaging health and environmental effects that GRIC would incur as a result of the proposed alignments. Emissions from vehicles such as carbon monoxide would dangerously harm GRIC, according to Riddle. She also expressed concerns that the freeway would expose GRIC to an increased amount of cancer hazards, like dioxin.
Serena Padilla from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) joined Allen and Riddle in support of the no-build option. “I just tell people, do your homework,” Padilla said.
Gov. Gregory Mendoza concluded the forum by thanking the voters and parties who participated. “This issue has been a long standing and difficult issue,” he told the audience. Gov. Mendoza also encouraged the voters by saying, “Your voice is very important.”
| < Prev |
|---|