Working group advances ADOT's coordination with American Indian tribes

Working group advances ADOT's coordination with American Indian tribes

Working group advances ADOT's coordination with American Indian tribes

April 12, 2019

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications

With tribal lands making up more than more than a quarter of the state of Arizona, and having some 1,200 miles of state highways running through them, partnering with the tribes when it comes to transportation is important to ADOT.

For instance, in 2013 when a landslide closed US 89 south of Page, we worked closely with the Navajo Nation to pave Navajo Route 20 to turn it into a temporary detour. The photo above is from one of the many public meetings we had in northern Arizona at the time.

As part of that mission to find even better ways to collaborate with the tribes, ADOT has entered into a partnership with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona to create a Tribal Transportation Working Group. Through that group, we meet with transportation officials and other representatives of 22 tribes to discuss issues of mutual interest.

These meetings allow transportation officials to share information, give updates on relevant legislation and, most important, discuss solutions to potential issues. Learn more about the working group and what was discussed at their first meeting.

This forum is in addition to the work our tribal planners, part of the Multimodal Planning Division, already do to foster cooperation and coordination with tribes across the state. Read more about their work and our tribal transportation partnerships.

Back To ADOT Blog

ADOT, tribes create working group focused on transportation issues

ADOT, tribes create working group focused on transportation issues

ADOT, tribes create working group focused on transportation issues

April 2, 2019

PHOENIX – To strengthen working relationships with American Indian tribes, who are key stakeholders in the state highway system, the Arizona Department of Transportation has launched a series of forums to share ideas and provide information on agency resources.

Offered in partnership with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, the Tribal Transportation Working Group connects agency representatives with transportation officials and other representatives from 22 tribes on matters ranging from enforcement of weight restrictions on state highways to sharing information from industry conferences.

“We want open communication with tribes, and we want them to see us as a partner,” said Charla Glendening, Statewide Planning Manager with ADOT. “This working group also is an opportunity to highlight ADOT resources that can benefit tribes.”

The working group has a format similar to one ADOT uses with local councils of government around Arizona, providing a single forum for all to exchange ideas rather than having sessions with individual tribes.

“Meeting as a group brings the tribes the same consistent message and the latest news in transportation,” said Ermalinda Gene, ADOT’s Tribal Planning Program Manager and a tribal liaison.

At the group’s first meeting in February, ADOT representatives provided a summary of the Arizona Rural Transportation Summit held in the fall and had Enforcement and Compliance Division officers explain mobile checkpoints that make sure large trucks obey laws on proper permits and allowable weight.

Maria Dadgar, Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, said that bringing together transportation experts and leaders from the tribes to meet regularly with ADOT helps all involved quickly identify and respond to opportunities.

“Through the Tribal Transportation Working Group, tribal representatives have direct input to voice concerns and to work cohesively with ADOT to develop positive outcomes toward improving transportation for all,” Dadgar said.