
Money saved by cutting energy costs will be reinvested into programs for the Cocopah Indian community
Cocopah Indian Tribe turns convention and entertainment center into solar-powered revenue generator
Federal funding will help finance a major solar installation, saving the tribe millions
When Gary Magrino presented the Cocopah Tribal Council with a proposal to build an $8 million solar farm, he wasn’t sure how they’d respond. The cost was significant for the small tribe, but the benefits to the community would be too.
Happily for Magrino, the council approved the plan to create a solar installation that will be able to generate up to 90% of the electricity needs for the tribe’s hospitality, convention and entertainment buildings.
Overview
The Rural Partners Network in Arizona is partnering with two Tribal Nations, each with its own rich history, culture, language, and land base. Arizona is part of the inaugural cohort of states with RPN and the only state that centered their selection exclusively in Tribal nations.
The Cocopah Indian Tribe, home to about 900 members, is located approximately 13 miles south of Yuma. The Tribe, known as the River People, have lived along the lower Colorado River and delta for centuries, maintaining their traditional and cultural beliefs. Descended from the greater Yuman-speaking people, this Tribe will focus their collaborative work around housing and essential community facility development.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe spans Gila, Graham and Pinal Counties in southeastern Arizona, and stretches over a landscape that ranges from alpine meadows to desert. The Tribe is pursuing projects centered on renewable energy generation and planning for wastewater sanitation to name a few.
Our RPN team and Rural Desk Officers, specifically the U.S. Department of Energy, United States Department of Health and Human Services and Environmental Protection Agency are collaborating with Tribal leaders to address these local priorities.
Community Networks in Arizona
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Cocopah Indian Tribe
Cocopah Indian Tribe.
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San Carlos Apache Tribe
San Carlos Apache Tribe.

Rural Partners Network Contacts for Arizona
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Jared Raymond
Community Liaison -
Alesia Stanley
Deputy State Director