October 27, 2026 10:08 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
October 27, 2026 10:08 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ

The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the CPUC Broadband Deployment Phase I Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding reliable, high-capacity internet service for Tribal communities and surrounding areas. Through this public bid process, CRIT is seeking qualified contractors to furnish, install, splice, and test outside plant fiber-optic infrastructure that will form the foundation of an expanded broadband network. The project will support improved connectivity along key regional corridors near the Reservation, including areas within San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and surrounding communities such as Blythe, Earp, and Parker Dam. This investment represents an important step toward strengthening digital access, supporting economic development, enhancing education and telehealth opportunities, and ensuring long-term technological resilience for CRIT members and neighboring communities. Proposals will be evaluated based on cost, qualifications, construction schedule, and Indian Preference in accordance with Tribal procurement policy.

Follow the links below for bidding information and specs.

Apendix A

Appendix B_CRIT CPUC_Phase 1_Contractor Bid Sheet_02.23.2026

Appendix C_CRIT CPUC_Phase I_Project Specifications_Sealed_02.23.2026

CRIT CPUC Phase I RFP_02.26.26

News Update November 12, 2025

Negotiations over the future of the Colorado River have reached a standstill after all seven basin states failed to meet a key federal deadline. Reports from 12News and 8NewsNow confirm that the states were unable to agree on a new water-sharing plan, leaving the situation unresolved as the river continues to decline.

High Country News explains that the biggest disagreements involve how much each state should give up in the future. The upper Basin states want fewer mandatory reductions, while the Lower Basin states, including Arizona, say they have already taken the deepest cuts and cannot continue to absorb the majority of the impacts.

With no agreement in place, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has asked the Trump administration to intervene. She stated that Arizona has made significant sacrifices and cannot carry the weight of the reductions while other states refuse to commit to measurable cuts. If the states cannot reach a plan soon, the federal government may create one for them.

For the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the outcome of these negotiations has major importance. CRIT holds valuable senior water rights and relies on a stable and fair management plan to ensure long-term security for the community and the region.

For more information, you can read the news articles with the links below.

8NewsNow
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/colorado-river-negotiations-fail-to-meet-federal-deadline-for-7-state-agreement/

High Country News
https://www.hcn.org/articles/why-colorado-river-negotiations-are-so-difficult/

 

ABC 15 News
https://www.abc15.com/weather/impact-earth/why-gov-katie-hobbs-wants-trump-administration-to-broker-colorado-river-deal

 

12 News
/wednesday-is-deadline-for-7-state-including-arizona-to-negotiate-the-colorado-river

CRIT Royalty hosted an Elder Bing event on March 13th. The group wanted to be more engaged with their tribal elders and decided to hold the event during spring break. Winners were able to choose from a collection of prizes donated by CRIT Royalty and the Royalty Board Members.

CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Secretary Josephine Tahbo and Councilwoman Vanessa Welch attended the event.

CRIT Royalty thanks the CRIT Mo-Chem-Ho-Na senior center and everybody who was able to attend.

CRIT Royalty would also like to remind CRIT members about the upcoming Mega Throw which will be held at the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve (25401 Rodeo Dr, Parker, AZ 85344) as well as their upcoming 50/50 raffle, both of which will take place March 22nd to March 23rd.

The Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department welcomes Officer Trevor Butler-Smith who was recently sworn in at the Tribal Courthouse by Judge Raymond Dodge.
Officer Butler-Smith is a recent graduate of the Arizona Western College Law Enforcement Training Academy having completed a 5-month program.

CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores and CRIT Chief of Police Cody Paddock were in attendance to welcome this addition to the Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department. The officer’s family also attended the ceremony.

The CRIT Library in collaboration with CRIT Royalty has launched a program called  Reading with Royalty at the CRIT library. The idea was inspired by the Reading Across America program and   Dr. Suess’s birthday.

Members of CRIT Royalty would sit down and read a book while being recorded to create a short video that children and other guests at the library can watch or even read along with while listening to the short stories.

CRIT Tribal Council members along with members from Fish & Game and the early literacy program attended the inaugural event.

Those attending included Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Secretary Josephine Tahbo, Council Members Vanessa Welch, Raeanne Patch, and Tommy Drennan, Fish & Game Warden Andrea Eddy and, CRIT Library’s Early Literacy Coordinator, Emily Panuco.

Royalty Left to right: Little Miss CRIT Allie “Ray-Lynne “Fisher, Junior Miss CRIT Zian Nash, Miss CRIT Trevani Esquerra