Gateway to Hopiland

Hopi Village Working On $92M Tourist DrawA Hopi village is developing a $92.5 million retail, lodging and commerce center that tribal officials hope will help capture millions of tourist dollars.

Named the "Gateway to Hopiland," the project in the Upper Village of Moenkopi will include a 100-room hotel and conference center, fast-food restaurants, a grocery store, art gallery and a building that could serve as a university branch on 72 acres across the highway from Tuba City, which is on the Navajo Nation.

Notably absent is a casino--the Hopi have consistently rejected gambling enterprises on their reservation.

A $6 million travel center with a car wash, gas station, convenience store and tax-free tobacco is already being built. More than 1 million drivers a year pass by the area, which is on U.S. 160 about 50 miles north of Flagstaff.Comment:  Having driven by this location at least twice, I'd say the travel center is a good idea. For a traditional people like the Hopi, I'd say avoiding a casino is also a good idea.