Since we first announced the project in January 2009, we have received a great deal of support from government officials, business leaders and the public. West Valley residents have told us how much they’re looking forward to a new business in the area where they can find employment, spend a night out on the town, or just enjoy some new amenities without having to travel too far. Businesses have written in excited over the possibility of working with the West Valley Resort to help grow their own company. We’ve also heard from elected officials in the area about how this is just what the region needs; they’re anxious to start a new relationship with the Tohono O’odham Nation.

We didn’t just rely on the letters and phone calls from all of you. We took the initiative to make sure this is what you wanted. Comprehensive studies have been done with the public to obtain your opinions on the project, what you are concerned about, and how you feel about having the Tohono O’odham Nation as a new neighbor. We were ecstatic to see that the residents of the West Valley and Maricopa County not only support the West Valley Resort, but they overwhelmingly want it in the community. To read more about the community support for this project, read the 2011 Executive Summary, the 2010 Executive Summary, and the 2009 Executive Summary of the public opinion polls.

In addition to public support, in May 2009 the regional office of the Department of Interior announced that the land for the facility meets all requirements by law and that the Secretary of Interior needs to take the land into trust. DOI Regional Director Allen Anspach stated in his letter that “we have determined that this qualifies as a mandatory acquisition under the Gila Bend Indian Replacement Act of 1986.” In July 2010, the Department of Interior concurred with the regional office and announced that the Nation’s application had been approved, beginning the process of taking land into trust. DOI’s support—based on law—is just another reason we are moving forward and providing this new economic development opportunity to the West Valley.

You can show your support too. Just fill in the form below and check “yes” under “You can use my name as a supporter” and you’ll be added to our list. If you want to be more active, be sure to visit the Take Action page and contact your elected representatives and tell them why you support the West Valley Resort.