GRIC to appeal ruling regarding freeway

September 2, 2016

Communications and Public Affairs Office

Gila River Indian Community

The Gila River Indian Community Council voted unanimously on Aug. 26 to appeal the recent ruling of the Arizona federal court in their challenge to stop the construction of the proposed South Mountain Freeway. The Community will appeal the decision denying their challenge to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco, and will seek an injunction to stop construction of the freeway while the appeal is pending.

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said, “The Community will continue to challenge the decision allowing this project to proceed in order to protect the Community’s borders, its members, and South Mountain, or Muhadagi Doag, one of the Community’s most important and sacred natural resources.”

Gov. Lewis also said, “The Community cannot stand idle while the proposed freeway destroys South Mountain and its trails, shrines, and archaeological sites.”