Press Release: The Hopi Tribe

Initial Date of Release: May 8, 1998
By: Maxine W. Namoki

Kykotsmovi, Arizona--The Hopi Tribe entered into an Agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development today to provide $2,941,400 for a water and wastewater project for the First Mesa Consolidated Villages (FMCV).  The loan and grant funding will allow for the construction, operation and maintenance of a water distribution system and a sewage collection and treatment system for the First Mesa Consolidated Villages located on the Hopi Reservation.

This action comes as a result of three years of coordinated effort between the Hopi Tribe, First Mesa Consolidated Villages and the United States Department of Agriculture.  Through its authority, the Hopi Tribal Council approved resolutions in support of this initiative and will continue to work with First Mesa Consolidated Villages to complete construction of the project.

Hopi Tribal Chairman, Wayne Taylor Jr., expressed gratitude for the combined efforts of the group stating, "This is a historic day.  You all worked long and hard to achieve this milestone and I appreciate the cooperation, coordination, and patience of those involved. This agreement will allow construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure for the people of First Mesa as well as for the new Health Care Center and pave the way for other villages to pursue similar projects with Rural Development.  This agreement was made possible through the partnership effort of all the parties, including the Hopi Tribal Council."

This agreement will allow for development of a water tank, well, a lagoon and all other water/sewage distribution systems for the villages.  This Agreement will remain in effect throughout the life of the water and sewer project, which is estimated to be forty years.

Hopi Vice Chairman, Phillip Quouchytewa, stated, "I like to see villages working for themselves and serve as a showcase for other villages.  This is an accomplishment for their people, not only now, but for our children.  Funding is sometimes a problem and there are obstacles that you have to overcome to achieve your goal and you have done that."

The grant portion of the funding is $2,176,300 with a loan of $765, 100 that will be paid by the First Mesa Consolidated Villages for this project.  The Hopi Tribe on behalf of the First Mesa Consolidated Villages will administer funding for this project.

harlan Mahle, Kikmongwi of the First Mesa Consolidate Villages said, "We have made much progress.  We will continue to move forward, for our children, grandchildren and those who are to come."

Jerry Lacapa, Alvin Chaca, Alfred Kay and Hopi Tribal councilman, Leroy Lewis, echoed the sentiments of working together to achieve their goals.  They also expressed their appreciation for the assistance provided by the Indian Health Service and all the tribal programs that supported this project.

Clayton Van Dereen of the USDA Office of Rural Development complimented the group saying, "It has been a privilege to work with many of the Hopi on this project.  Many have worked together to achieve this goal."

Ivan Sidney, Community Service Administrator for the First Mesa Consolidated Villages, indicated that he had been the last member to join the group working on this project and encouraged the continued partnership of the team in achieving future projects.

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