The Battle to Save Tusayan Gains Some Critical New Allies
April 17, 2012
By Mike Scerbo
Stilo’s success in preventing Tusayan residents from voting on the Stilo land use plan may have hampered efforts at the local ballot box, but another battle is being waged. This one is at the Arizona Corporation Commission where the question is being asked, where will Stilo get the water for three million square feet of commercial space and potentially thousands of new homes.
In December Stilo filed paperwork to provide water service. The Corporation Commission found the request to be ‘insufficient.’
Meanwhile opposition is coming from two new sources. The Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, led by legal dynamo Tim Hogan and the Grand Canyon Trust have now joined forces and the state Corporation Commission has granted the Trusts’ Motion to intervene.
The Havasupai Tribe has also objected to Tusayan Ventures LLC application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
If you check the docket you’ll also find a letter of concern from the superintendent of the Grand Canyon National Park.
Here is a link to the case
https://edocket.azcc.gov/Default.aspx?SEARCH=W-20828A-11-0475
Stilo would have you believe that opposition to its land use plan is limited to a handful of tree huggers. Given the growing roster of opponents, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Those objecting are rightly concerned that the Stilo land use plan would dry up water supplies that feed springs to the Grand Canyon and the Havasupai community.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Republic has joined the chorus, pointing out what local residents already know, an Italian land company has managed to purchase a and control small town outside of the Grand Canyon.
Here is a link to the Republic’s editorial.
In the comments section you’ll note that Bob Blasi strongly objects to the article. This is the same guy who told Sheriff’s investigators that the Italians offered him a bribe. It’s the same guy who bashed local fire fighters. And it’s the same guy who bailed as a councilman when the going got tough.
