By Kimlye Stager | Pinal Central
MARICOPA — The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Ak-Chin Indian Community are accusing the city of Maricopa of not of not obtaining right-of-way for a road construction project, although the city said it has.
On Wednesday, PinalCentral obtained a BIA letter dated May 3 requesting the city of Maricopa “cease and desist” work on the Sonoran Desert Parkway project on the Ak-Chin reservation until the city complies with the federal requirements for the right-of-way assignment.
When completed, the parkway is anticipated to give communities in that area better road access while also providing another connection between Maricopa and Casa Grande. The Desert Sonoran Parkway is to run from State Route 347 near Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and include part of Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, then run along Val Vista Road.
The entities stated the city had not secured the right to work on land in the reservation, as the easement is still owned by Pinal County.
The city was also made aware of a press release from Ak-Chin representatives sent out Wednesday about completing the project.
