Planning nears completion for new Wal-Mart
February 12, 2008

Construction of new shopping center in Parker could begin in mid-2008

Another hurdle has been cleared in the planning process for the new Wal-Mart shopping center, to be built along Highway 95 in Parker across from the Safeway shopping center.

Wal-Mart completed an environmental assessment of the property in January which found no significant issues that would delay the start of construction.

The finding means that the last remaining item in the process is the signing of a final lease agreement between CRIT and Wal-Mart, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

CRIT officials estimate that construction of the shopping center could start as soon as mid-year, and the center would open in 2009.

“We are excited to take another step forward in the planning process for this important community shopping center,” said Tribal Chairman Daniel Eddy, Jr. “We are looking forward to not only the shopping this center will provide, but also the job growth and new revenue it will generate for the people of CRIT.”

As proposed, the new store will be about 100,000 square feet and include groceries and general merchandise.

In addition to creating more shopping choices for area residents and tribal members, the economic impact and job creation from the shopping center will be substantial.

The new Wal-Mart store will create an estimated 200 new jobs and up to $400,000 per year in sales tax revenue for CRIT, which will help fund youth, elder and other important programs.