Hopi Nation Opposes Proposal to Construct Dams Little Colorado River Near Grand Canyon

Published October 28, 2019

KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. — The Hopi Tribe is opposing a proposal by the Phoenix company Pumped Hyrdo Storage on a section of the Little Colorado on the Navajo Nation would build four dams and four reservoirs near the Grand Canyon.

In a letter written to federal officials last week, tribal leaders say the proposal is “simply unacceptable” and would “forever adversely impact Hopi sacred places.” The Grand Canyon is among the tribe’s most culturally significant areas, and leaders oppose any development near the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers.

“It’s being proposed not too far from what Hopi calls their place of emergence to this world, called the Sipapuni … This is something that should be left protected … If it was to be flooded it would be just like flooding the Vatican,” says Hopi Vice Chairman Clark Tenakhongva.

The  A preliminary application was accepted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, but doesn’t allow the company to disturb or enter the area. The public has until November 16, 2019 to comment on the preliminary-permit application.

And if that weren’t enough, Pumped Hydro Storage has also applied to FERC for another preliminary permit to build a similar project five miles up the canyon, where the Hopi Salt Trail joins the Little Colorado River Gorge.

The public has until December 1, 2019 to comment on that project.