On Tuesday, July 15, 2014, a majority of the Glendale City Council approved a resolution to officially support the Tohono O’odham Nation’s West Valley Resort project, rescinding its earlier opposition. The move comes after months of wrangling.
The City of Glendale represents the fourth West Valley community to pass a formal resolution in favor of the Nation’s project; the Cities of Peoria, Tolleson, and Surprise previously passed unanimous resolutions of support.
The Glendale City Council meeting raced to get out ahead of the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee’s upcoming July 23 hearing on Indian gaming issues, which is currently scheduled to include a discussion of issues relating to H.R. 1410.
The City of Glendale passed a resolution opposing H.R. 1410 last March.
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris, Jr. said, “The Nation applauds the City of Glendale’s decision to support our major economic development project. We look forward to working with Glendale and all of the local communities to create opportunity across the West Valley.”
The Tohono O’odham Nation is a federally-recognized Indian tribe, with existing reservation lands in Maricopa County, Pinal County, and Pima County, Arizona. The West Valley Resort will be located at 95th and Northern avenues.