Earlier this summer we reported on a new tribal alliance that was forged last year to oppose a mega-development for tourists on Navajo Nation land. Known as Grand Canyon Escalade, the development would feature an aerial tramway capable of ferrying up to 10,000 people a day to the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers—a site held sacred by Southwestern tribes who trace their ancestry to the Grand Canyon.

The development, proposed four years ago by a Scottsdale, Arizona developer, split Navajo tribal members. But after the new tribal alliance and environmental groups including the Sierra Club, American Rivers, and the Trust for Public Land came out in opposition, momentum appeared to stall.

Pro-resort forces received a boost at the end of August, however, when a bill was introduced before the Navajo Nation Council seeking $65 million in Navajo Nation funding for infrastructure that would pave the way for development of Escalade to commence—even though it is estimated that up to 92 percent of the profits would line the pockets of outside investors.

The bill prompted public outcry from around the country and a strong reiteration of opposition by Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye. It is expected that he would veto the legislation if it passes the tribal council and reaches his desk.

Introduced by Navajo councilmember Benjamin Bennett, the bill would approve the master development agreement for Escalade. It nevertheless notes concerns about the tribe’s obligation to come up with the $65 million in infrastructure costs and the lack of any formal loan agreement specifying interest rates and terms. Major concerns have also been voiced about tapping groundwater for an estimated 10,000 guests per day.

Save the Confluence, a grassroots coalition of Navajo families, has gathered petitions with the signatures of more than 4,000 tribal members opposing the resort, and is now seeking support from all people who agree that Escalade is the wrong way to spur economic development on the Navajo Nation. The full Navajo Nation Council will vote on Bennett’s legislation in October.