For Immediate Release
November 18, 2011
Contact: Mike Finney
Phone: (480) 897-3331
Mike@azcomgroup.com
Hopi Economic Summit a Success
Upper Village of Moenkopi, AZ-The largest economic development forum ever staged on the Hopi Reservation was a great success according to Upper Village of Moenkopi Governor William Charley. “Unemployment on the Hopi Reservation exceeds 50% and that is why we convened this gathering. This summit was the first time that village representatives from all across Hopi have come together to share economic development information. The creation of jobs and housing on Hopi land translates directly into preservation of culture, language, religion and family. That is what we are achieving in our village with the creation of more than 125 jobs in our new hotel, travel center, and restaurant, with more development to come that is envisioned in our master plan.”
Governor Charley also serves as President of the Moenkopi Developers Corporation, Inc. (the host for the Economic Summit), a 501(c)(3) non-profit economic development enterprise with the mission to create jobs for the Hopi people, establish entrepreneurship opportunities, and create revenue for the Upper Moenkopi Village to enhance social, education, health and safety services to its residents.
The Moenkopi Economic Development Day featured presentations by experts in grant funding, Moenkopi Developers Corporation Master Plan Designer Edward Calnimptewa, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the HUD Southwest Office of Native American Programs. Andrea V. Dunyon, Loan Guarantee Coordinator for the six state regional HUD SWONAP office, said “We appreciated the opportunity to participate in this amazing event. It was one of the best organized and successful events we have ever had the honor to participate in. There is great benefit that the Hopi Tribe and villages can gain from this type of collaboration which can maximize the financial assistance available from our organization and others for much needed housing and economic development.
The Moenkopi Master Plan for 72 acres of land at the junction of Highways 160 and 264 includes low income housing, neighborhood retail space, a grocery store, an office complex, community center, farmer’s market, a cinema, and a BIA police substation and fire facility. Employment for the full complex is projected at over 350 local residents. It is estimated that these various site elements will have a capitalized value of $73,898,000. A ‘Green’ ordinance mandating grey water plumbing is being written to guide future development recognizing the importance of that limited resource. The Master Plan has commercial pads that will be available for lease and development for a variety of business activities.
The first phase of development includes the 100 room Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites, the 140 seat Denny’s restaurant, and the TUUVI Travel center with gas pumps, convenience store, and retail shops. In advance of this development the Village built a wastewater treatment facility and made improvements to the water system.
Information on the Moenkopi Economic Development Day is available at www.ExperienceHopi.com.
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