Opposition mounts against federal pen
by Associated Press (May 18th, 2009 @ 5:45am)
TUCSON, Ariz. - The Pima County Board of Supervisors and others are voicing their opposition to federal plans to build a detention center on the Tohono O'odham Nation's San Xavier District.
Pima County Supervisors RamDon Valadez and Sharon Bronson joined County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry in raising numerous concerns about the project, including impacts on regional flooding, archaeological resources near the Santa Cruz River, traffic and conservation efforts.
The tribe says the 750-bed, 140,000-square-foot prison on 48 acres would create around 300 jobs.
Former Tohono O'odham Tribal Council member David Garcia said it should raise questions about what sort of liability the tribe and the San Xavier District would face if prisoners were to file lawsuits over their treatment at the planned facility. He said hearings on the proposal are needed.

