Project Coordination

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Project Coordination is responsible for keeping the Community informed of P-MIP activities and progress through newsletters, brochures, informational packets, electronic and print media. It seeks to enhance the best interests of the Community and the project by informing (and receiving from) the public, Community council, district representatives, affected landowners and Community members and groups of issues pertinent to the planning, designing and construction of the project. Project Coordination also is responsible for acquisition of the right-of-way easements for construction, operation and maintenance of the irrigation delivery system. An appraiser estimates the fair market value for properties affected by the project, which are then used to determine just compensation for permanent and temporary easements. For easements across allotted lands, signatures are obtained from landowners for each allotment. For easements across tribal land, resolutions are prepared and submitted to the appropriate Community Council committees before being approved by the Tribal Council. Applications for grants of easement are submitted to BIA along with right-of-way maps, consents, resolutions, appraisals, environmental assessments, associated funds and other documentation. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Accomplishments include: 1) providing presentations, displays, exhibits and information for the Community through scheduled meetings at the Council Ke, district service centers and other locations; 2) providing translations of technical designs and reports in O’otham; 3) providing field tours on request to landowners, Council members, standing committee members and Community members; 4) providing P-MIP history updates and fields tours; 5) acquiring over thirty-seven miles of right-of-way; 6) completing appraisals for easements; 7) obtaining landowner consents for easements; 8) coordinating with federal agencies; and 9) obtaining approvals of tribal committees and Council. FISCAL YEAR 2007 OBJECTIVES: Plan and implement internal and external workshops, speaking engagements and tours for the purpose of further educating the Community about the P-MIP Produce a quarterly Community newsletter Communicate project needs, purpose and status in a concise manner and respond to input from the Community in a responsible manner. Coordinate with other tribal departments. Coordinate with federal agencies to mitigate issues Complete acquisition of easements for Reaches ST-IC and Santan Ranch Laterals Begin acquisition of easements for BW-IB Present resolutions to tribal committees and Council