Hopi Project recognized by HUD
For Immediate Release
Upper Village of Moenkopi, Az. - In an awards ceremony hosted by the Phoenix Field Office of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Daniel Honahni and the Moenkopi Development Corporation Board of Directors were recognized for their work as partners with HUD in the special category of “ Strengthening Communities”. This was one of five Most Valuable Partner Award Categories that HUD Field Office Director, Rebecca Flanagan, and her staff designated for exemplary achievement in the fiscal year that ended in Sept ‘08. The Arizona office provided over 1.2 billion dollars in funding for projects in the past fiscal year in support of their mission to increase homeownership, support community development, and increase access to housing.
The Upper Village of Moenkopi is located at the western gateway to Hopi tribal land in northern Arizona, an area that has historically high unemployment. HUD funding contributed to the development of a number of projects initiated by the Upper Village of Moenkopi including a wastewater treatment plant which has allowed for economic development. The treatment plant and the recently opened TUUVI Travel Center (also a recipient of HUD funding) have already created jobs for Hopi, Navajo, and non-tribal area residents. Dan Honahni, President & CEO of the development corporation, says that “These projects were envisioned by the Village elders and we all feel pride in the accomplishment of the Board and our partnership with the Phoenix HUD staff. These projects are already changing lives and our new hotel, which will open in November, will be a catalyst for economic growth throughout the Hopi reservation. The Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites is the first hotel to be built on Hopi tribal land in 50 years and, like our new travel center, the architecture reflects the Hopi culture.”
The village is located adjacent to the Navajo community of Tuba City, a well traveled route between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Travelers will now be able to become acquainted with the tourism opportunities in the Hopi villages on First, Second, and Third Mesas. The hotel, through their website www.ExperienceHopi.com, will connect visitors with authorized tour guides who provide private guided tours to the villages including Oraibi, Sipaulovi, and Walpi as well as Dawa Park – a site with over 10,000 rock art petroglyphs. The Hopi Villages are among the longest continuously inhabited places in North America, dating back to 950 A.D.
The Legacy Inn will feature 100 guestrooms including 16 uniquely designed suites, a salt water swimming pool and whirlpool, conference center, and an outdoor performance plaza. Guests will enjoy unique features in the hotel including authentic Hopi artwork and a three story lobby with fireplace. The Kiva Garden and the third floor San Francisco Peaks Serenity Lounge will provide places to relax and connect with Hopi traditions.
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Contact information:
Mike Finney
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1050 E. Southern Ave. Suite C-3
Tempe, AZ 85282