Ak-Chin O'odham Runner - Ak-Chin Indian Community

8 August 19 - September 1, 20118Left: TheYellow BirdProductiondancersperform theRainbowDance duringlunch.EPD’s Benji Valisto points out some of the pumps andmachines that sits in the back area of the facility.Ak-Chin Police Department and Veteran’s Grouppresents the colors while the Language staff singsthe National Anthem in the O’odham language.Right: RandyGates of MGCpresents Ak-Chin Chairman,Louis Manuel,Jr. with a framedphoto of theWastewaterFacility.Open House continuedpoint to where this building becomes afixture of the community,” said Manuel,who then introduced other Councilmembers that included; Delia Carlyle,Vice-Chairman William Antone, andGabriel Lopez. Carlyle, Antone, andLopez read off water history dates,water rights given to the community,Government resolutions, past triballeaders, and companies who led thefoundation from past to the present andthe momentous occasion that led to theopening of the new Water Facility.After remarks by Ak-Chin CouncilElect Terry Enos, EPD Water OperationsManager Ray Pulver, EPD ProgramsManager Cheyenne Garcia, and CapitalProjects Manager Jayne Long; Presidentof MGC construction, Randy Gatespresented Chairman Manuel with aframed aerial photo of the finished WaterFacility. Inside the frame and photowas a gold shovel that symbolized thegroundbreaking to the finished product.Plateau Engineering ProjectManager, James Hall, gave high praisesto the new facility and the community’scommitment to providing a first classbuilding. “I worked in engineeringfor a long time and I’ve worked ona number of impressive projects, butI never in my life have worked on aproject more impressive than this one,”Hall said. “I’ve worked with a numberof impressive people, but I’ve neverworked with more impressive peoplethan the ones who’ve worked on thisproject. This project reflects the can doattitude of the Ak-Chin Community andits people and I thank the communityvery much for allowing us to be a partof this.”Following remarks by Dave Sobeck,Vice-President of Carollo Engineers,Enos was asked to give a blessing ofthe facility. Ak-Chin Tribal Councilmembers, EPD staff, and other officialslined up behind a propped ribbon nearthe sidewalk entrance of the buildingfor the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.After Chairman Manuel cut the ribbon,a line formed and everyone made theirway into the new building.Inside the building, guests wereable to view the many rooms set upfor conference rooms, staff rooms, anda second level room where staff canmonitor the entire plant and view anyfaults that may occur with the plantthrough computerized settings.EPD staff gave outside tours ofthe plant, which featured; head worksfine screen (collects trash), bio basins,information and listation pumps,membrane filter pumps, and reusablepumps. Following tours, Romey’s Ribsprovided. Entertainment included the Ak-Chin Language Department (traditionalsongs) and Yellow Bird Productions(traditional song and dance).