The Hualapai Infrastructure Program is a transformational bundle of more than 30 projects being rapidly delivered to enhance the quality of life for all Hualapai and preserve its heritage for future generations. The program includes projects for water, transportation, community recreation, tribal facilities, and capacity building/planning/operations and maintenance.
It is part of a federal pilot program using an alternative delivery method known as Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC). This is a collaborative process between owners, designers, and contractors to plan, design, and construct projects. This approach is proven to attract qualified bidders who can deliver high quality projects while simultaneously saving time and money.
The program investments will deliver on the foresight and vision of several tribal councils and staff to identify, plan, fund and deliver critically needed infrastructure and services for the tribe.
The selected program management team is made up of seasoned experts with a track record of successfully delivering water, transportation, and infrastructure projects using the alternative delivery method to eight other tribes including Gila River, Pueblo of Acoma, Pawnee, CSKT, Cahilla, Seminole, Kawerak, and Eyak.
The tribal council approved this approach at the tribal council meeting in May 2024.
The first projects to be delivered will include the community recreation park, administration building, Diamond Creek Road Railroad Overpass, Youth Camp Road improvements, a new veterans memorial, Safe Streets for All, and environmental planning for the Hualapai Water Rights pipeline.
Infrastructure projects in the program will deliver significant benefits, including the following:
- New, reliable water infrastructure that will support economic development at Grand Canyon West and also increases the supply of water sources for the Hualapai
- A modern, reliable transportation network that will reduce commute times and improve travel safety and convenience for tribal members and tourists
- High-quality recreation opportunities for families right here in Peach Springs that will strengthen community bonds and support health and wellness
- Centralized administration facilities that will make it easier and more convenient for people to access vital services
- Planning and ongoing maintenance programs that will ensure tribal assets are taken care of and preserved for future generations
The team is committed to minimizing reliance on the general fund. Most of the funding for the program will come from money allocated by the Federal government to the Tribal Transportation Improvement Program, the Hualapai Water Rights Settlement, and other external sources.
The tribe is aggressively seeking grant funding as a key component of the program. To date, the team has successfully drawn down more than $40 million in grants, and the team is currently pursuing an additional $40 million in external grant funding. The team continues to proactively pursue other grant funding opportunities to advance the projects within the program.
In May 2024, Tribal Council voted to participate in a federal pilot program which has successfully helped tribes across the country realize long-term infrastructure priorities more quickly and more efficiently by packaging them into a comprehensive program or “bundle.”
Participating in this program requires the use of an innovative delivery method such as the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) approach. CM/GC enhances efficiency and is shown to deliver high-quality results while saving time and money.
The program management team selected by Tribal Council is made up of seasoned experts with a track record of successfully delivering water, transportation, and infrastructure projects to other tribes including Gila River, Pueblo of Acoma, Pawnee, CSKT, Cahilla, Seminole, Kawerak, and Eyak.
Tribes which are part of this pilot program who deviate from the selected delivery method often see diminished federal support and significant delays in the delivery of projects.
The CM/GC method is successful because it includes safeguards to ensure the tribe is getting the best product for the best price. In addition to those designing and building the projects, the team includes an owner’s representative who looks out for the tribe’s interest, independent cost estimators who monitor and verify that project costs are fair and reasonable, and quality assurance experts who make sure projects meet rigorous quality standards
In addition to placing stories in the Gamyu and providing updates on KWLP-FM “The Peach,” you can also get information on the program website at HualapaiMovingForward.org.
- Philip G. Wisely, P.E., Public Services Director, (928) 769-2216 or Philip.Wisely@hualapai-nsn.gov
- Darlene Wakayuta, Transportation Planner, (928) 769-2216 or Darlene.Wakayuta@hualapai-nsn.gov