History

On May 19, 2009, a meeting was held with the San Carlos Apache Tribe Transportation Committee to determine ways to proceed with “Building a Partnership.” Shortly after this meeting, a planning committee was identified and established with the help of the partnership leaders, which included the San Carlos Apache Tribe and ADOT. On June 19, 2009, this planning committee met to determine key issues and desired outcomes of the partnership and to reach working agreements as Partnership Planning Committee members. This included finalizing dates and location for the partnership kick-off and quarterly Steering Committee meetings.

On August 6, 2009, the Partnership Planning Committee members met and finalized plans for the large, partnership kick-off meeting. The Planning Committee drafted up partnership meeting objectives, format, agenda, invitees, logistics, draft charter and mission statement and coordination.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe, State, Federal, Counties, Railroad, Private Organization Partnership officially kicked-off with a meeting on September 30, 2009 at the Apache Gold Convention Center in San Carlos, AZ. The kick-off meeting was held to further define the partnership charter, to determine membership and to determine the goals of the partnership Steering Committee. It was also the first opportunity for all partnership representatives to meet and greet. Partners in attendance were Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Arizona Eastern Railway, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Southeastern Arizona Government Organization (SEAGO), Central Arizona Association of Governments (CAAG), Gila County, Pinal County, San Carlos Apache Tribe, Arizona Department of Public Safety and the San Carlos Apache Tribe Police.

Beginning December 8, 2009, the Partnership will conduct quarterly Steering Committee meetings to carry forward the goals and next steps identified at the partnership kick-off meeting. In addition, the Partnership champions/representatives and Steering Committee members will meet annual to determine the next steps based on the results of the Steering Committee meeting efforts as well as continually review the status and direction of the Partnership.