Ak-Chin

The Ak-Chin Indian Community proposed the development of a new public use and residential area on Community lands south of Ak-Chin Village and Farrell Road and west of Smith Wash. The project area encompasses approximately 224 acres and has three distinct portions: a large block area located in agricultural fields and two proposed road corridors that extend northward from the fields to Farrell Road. WestLand prepared an EA to satisfy NEPA requirements as implemented by HUD and the associated required resource studies. WestLand conducted the biological surveys and evaluation; the Phase I ESA for hazardous materials; and the cultural resources survey. Prior to conducting the cultural resources survey, the WestLand Field Director worked closely with the Ak-Chin Cultural Resources Department to compile all relevant information on the previous archaeological work conducted within the project area. The final report for this survey was accepted by the Ak-Chin Cultural Resources Department and was written to HUD standards. We also assisted the Community in preparing the document and public notices to adhere to the 8-step process for projects within a 100-year floodplain. A separate NEPA Checklist for the Cultural Center including the FONSI, and RROF was also prepared by WestLand for HUD’s approval.