Gila tribe approves appeal of federal judge’s freeway ruling

South Mountain FreewayThe Gila River Indian Community Council has voted unanimously to appeal a federal judge’s refusal to stop construction of the South Mountain Freeway.

The GRIC contends that the freeway desecrates lands held sacred for centuries, and is the second opponent of the controversial highway to announce an intent to appeal U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa’s ruling of last month.

The Ahwatukee-based Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children also has indicated plans to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

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