By Roland Murphy for Arizona Builder’s Exchange
As the likely closures of the Navajo Generating Station and the Kayenta Mine brings increasing economic uncertainty to the Navajo Nation and Grand Canyon region, an economic development project that could permanently reshape the area has resurfaced.
On Monday, April 17 the Navajo Nation Council’s Naabik’iyati’ Committee will discuss a bill to consider the $230M Grand Canyon Escalade mixed-use project.
Project components on the 420-acre site in the western sector of the Navajo reservation include the Escalade – a gondola tramway from the Canyon rim to a location on the Colorado River, a Riverwalk sightseeing experience, a Discovery Center for recreation and cultural entertainment, exhibit and sales areas for local crafts and artists, and lease sites for hotels and other services.
