Wednesday, Apr 25 2012 3:30PM
Indian Country Today Media Network reports that tribes living south of the Grand Canyon are concerned that the recent proposal to build three million square feet of commercial and residential space will be detrimental to their water supply.
Indian Country Today Media Network reports that tribes living south of the Grand Canyon are concerned that the recent proposal to build three million square feet of commercial and residential space will be detrimental to their water supply.
Members of the Havasupai Tribe, who live downstream from the development, are worried that the transfer of groundwater will dry up existing seeps and springs. The news source notes that tribal officials have reported their concerns through the Arizona Corporation Commission with a threat to take legal action.
The tribe's water supply comes from the Colorado River and is already of concern as it is often warranted as contaminated from uranium mining in the canyons.
This is a second attempt to build on land and pump groundwater away from areas south of the canyon, the source reports. The first try was shot down after developers spent nearly $10 million on partnerships and outreach.
"We need water too," Eva Kissoon, a tribal council member, told the source. "It has a huge cultural significance to us. It's life. It always has been and always will be."
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Indian Country Today Media Network