(Robert Bolar) A drone shot of the area on the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Reservation west of St. George where a 1,250-acre resort is proposed.
St. George * Like every development pitched for drought-prone Washington County, the major concern to surface about a proposal to build a large sports and cultural complex on tribal land west of St. George is summed up with one word: water.
Some locals living near the Shivwits Band of Paiutes reservation fret there might not be enough water on tap to accommodate a resort-like complex, including multiple golf courses, which band leaders and Reef Capital are exploring putting on 1,250 acres of tribal land.
The payoff to the Shivwits from such a resort, according to a document mistakenly placed on the band's website, could be as much as $149 million. That windfall would be derived from leasing land and water to Reef Capital, the developer of $2 billion Black Desert Resort in Ivins, for the project.
Water concerns
Where resort proponents see green from golf courses and cash, Morris Taylor views the proposal as a water-wasting boondoggle.
"I know I speak for many residents when I say I'm tired of receiving mixed messages about water," the St. George resident said. "We are constantly being preached to about the need to conserve water, only to see another water park or massive resort approved. It's a double standard."
Ivins resident Scott Florence questions why the Shivwits would consider a development with such a large footprint.
"I understand the monetary aspect to it," he said, "but I don't understand why they would want to do that with their land. The impact would be huge."
The proposed joint venture could include as many as three 18-hole golf courses, one of which would be designed by golfing great Tiger Woods, and a shorter course. Other ideas tribal leaders and Reef Capital have discussed include a sports village to host soccer, baseball, basketball and volleyball events.
The complex could include lodging, a plaza for festivals, an educational museum and an airfield 5 miles to the west where wealthy visitors could jet in to golf at Shivwits or nearby Black Desert courses.
However the proposal is viewed, Black Desert managing partner Patrick Manning noted, the Shivwits own the land and water rights, and they will decide whether or not to proceed with a project.
"My suggestion for those in the community with concerns is to voice them without being combative," said Manning, who is part of the Reef Capital team. "Because that has happened before, and it made the Shivwits mad because they have this land ... they were placed on, and then some neighbors want to tell them what they can do with it."
Cashing in on revenue stream
Under a 2001 settlement the Shivwits struck with the state and federal government, St. George and the Washington County Water Conservancy District, St. George is obligated to supply the band with 2,000 acre-feet of reuse water each year.
In addition, the water district must supply the Shivwits and local irrigation companies with up to 1,900 acre-feet of fresh water per year, a total which can be cut substantially during poor water years.
"When it's a really wet year, generally the tribe will get the full 1,900 acre feet of water," said water district general manager Zach Renstrom. "But this year the [Shivwits] are probably only going to get about 30% of that amount."
Cameron Echohawk, economic development coordinator for the federally recognized Paiute band, said if the Shivwits Band Council decides to proceed with a project with Reef Capital, most of the water supplied to the developer would be reuse water for irrigating soccer fields and golf courses.
"If people were to be concerned about that, I would say there are not really other great ways to use [reuse water]," he said. "The band's more valuable water rights would be untouched by the project."
Ivins Mayor Chris Hart, a former member of the water district's board of trustees, said there are not enough band members to consume all the annual water they are entitled to receive.
"This would turn that [water] into a revenue stream for band members," he said. " So I think it would be very good for them."
Conserve Southwest Utah, the nonprofit aimed at protecting southern Utah's water and public lands, is not taking sides.
"Conserve Southwest Utah recognizes the Shivwits Band of Paiutes' inherent water rights, including the 2,000 acre-feet of reuse water affirmed in the 2001 agreement," said Karen Goodfellow, Conserve Southwest Utah's vice president and water team manager. "We support and encourage the thoughtful and efficient use of all water resources within Washington County, especially in light of the prolonged drought affecting our region."
Click here to learn more about the proposed resort on Shivwits land.