SCAT_Declaration of Emergency JUL 2024

To ensure CRIT tribal members are up to date regarding Colorado River water, the CRIT Tribal Council held an informational meeting for tribal members June 26th at the BlueWater Resort, providing an extensive overview on legislation that gives CRIT the authority to lease a portion of its Colorado River allotment.

Chairwoman Amelia Flores, members of the Tribal Council, and CRIT Water Attorney John Bezdek provided updates and answered questions about the CRIT Water Resiliency Act and recently signed agreements with the State of Arizona and the federal government required by the act. It is important to note the Tribal Council has not approved any proposed agreement to allow CRIT consumptive water to be used off-reservation lands.

Indeed, any potential lease, water storage agreement, or other off-reservation use of CRIT’s Colorado River water can only happen after a public hearing is held and feedback is provided from the membership to the Tribal Council then it can be approved. CRIT is also looking for a topflight ‘Water Broker’ to make sure CRIT gets the best possible price for any leased water.

Chairwoman Amelia Flores said, “We, the Tribal Council want t be transparent, we want to share as much information that we can, information about the federal entities and about the state, which were included in the signing of our agreement.”

The presentation included answers to some frequently asked questions such as:

Q:Has CRIT entered into a leasing agreement?
A:No.

Q:What was signed at April’s signing ceremony?
A:Two agreements between CRIT, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Governor of Arizona about how to account for water use and water conservation on reservation lands. (more…)

The ‘Blue Water Fire’ has burned 150 acres across the river from the BlueWater Resort and Casino. However, no structures have been damaged and there are no injuries.

During the July 6th fireworks performance at the BlueWater Resort , three small fires started on the California side of the river across from the resort.

Windy and hot weather conditions caused the fires to merge and head towards the Bermuda Palms community. While reports indicate a structure was threatened, crews positioned around the structure and kept the fire at bay and the structure safe.
The fire is 20% contained as firefighters have managed to slow the fire’s progression and growth.

Those fighting the fire include crews from the BIA, the BLM, San Bernardino Fire, Buckskin Fire, CRIT Fire, CRIT Wildland Fire, Parker Fire, Contract Heavy Equipment, and the San Bernadino County Sheriff’s Office.

The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for lane restrictions and ramp closures on east- and westbound Interstate 10 in Quartzsite.

The following lane restrictions will occur nightly beginning Monday, June 24, and ending Friday, June 28, for paving:

• East- and westbound I-10 will be reduced to one lane between Dome Rock Road and Scaddan Wash (mileposts 11 to 24) from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. 
• The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.
• A 14-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place.

The following ramp closure will occur:

• The westbound Riggles Avenue on-ramp (Exit 19) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Thursday, June 27, and ending Friday, June 28, for guardrail work. Detour: Motorists may detour to Main Street, then travel west to Quartzsite Boulevard (Exit 17) to access I-10.

The following daytime lane restrictions will occur from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Monday, June 24, and ending Wednesday, June 26, for guardrail repair:

• Eastbound I-10 will be reduced to a one lane at Tyson Wash.
• The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph
• A 14-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place

Drivers should plan for delays, obey posted speed limits and traffic control devices and use caution around construction personnel.