Ahwatukee resident homes could be saved from the proposed Loop 202 extension

AHWATUKEE, AZ - The Gila River Indian Community is trying to convince tribal leaders to allow the Loop 202 extension to be built on tribal land.

For years there have been debates on where the extension will be built. Currently, the plan would require hundreds of homes and businesses to be destroyed, along with parts of South Mountain.

“We want to be good neighbors. We don’t want people to have to move and we don’t want the mountain to be destroyed. So for the past year, we have been collected signatures in support of having the Loop 202 to cut through tribal land,” said Joseph Perez, tribal member who signed petition.

This is a historic move by the tribal community to bring change. The council is expected to vote to either approve the petition or send the issue to the entire community for a vote. That meeting is expected to take place on February 20th. 

If the measure is passed, The Arizona Department of Transportation will still need to test the site to make sure it is a viable option.