FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Steve Tripp

602-307-9504

The ‘dirt’ on what's going on north of Highway 69

TRIBE INITIATES INFILL PROJECT TO HELP FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (April 10, 2003) – In a mutually beneficial agreement, the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe and Fann Construction have struck a deal that will enable the contractor to dispose of massive amounts of infill and help the Tribe plan for future economic development.

Fann Construction is in the process of site development for the future Wal-Mart Supercenter to be located on Prescott Lakes Parkway and Highway 69. The job includes excavation and removal of more than 1 million cubic yards of dirt. Seizing on the opportunity, the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe is buying 350,000 to 400,000 cubic yards of the excess dirt and using it to elevate a 14-acre parcel of the reservation along Highway 69 across from Frontier Village. By doing this now, the Tribe avoids paying a premium to import dirt at a later time.

"We saw this as an excellent business opportunity for the Tribe," says President Ernie Jones. “This parcel was always earmarked for commercial development and this allows us to save time and money, and gives us a prime location for future development. Preparing land for development can be a costly affair, but by taking the dirt that Fann needs to get rid of anyway, we get it at a good price and save them from having to truck it elsewhere. It is a win-win situation.”

According to Jones, the Tribe does not have firm plans on developing the land, however, is certain that—based on growth patterns and projected commercial land needs—the parcel is prime acreage. In the meantime, based on inquiries and the curiosity of area residents, he wanted to share the "dirt" as to what the activity was all about.

Inquiries about this site should be directed to the Tribal Real Estate Department at 445-8790, ext. 169.

The Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe consists of 160 members and occupies a reservation of less than 1,500 acres adjacent to Prescott. Tribal enterprises, including a business park, shopping center and two casinos, provide more than 2,500 jobs for the local economy.

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