Quechan Tribe Sets 30-Day Deadline for Imperial County After Bridge Dispute

Approximately 75 tribal members attended a transportation meeting in April where Imperial County Supervisor John Hawk later claimed the group made the officials feel 'scalped.' The Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe is now using that specific number and comment to frame a formal demand for accountability and a rapid repair timeline for a critical infrastructure project.

The dispute centers on the Picacho Road Bridge, which links Yuma, Arizona, with Imperial County, California. The structure has been closed to traffic since March 2025. During an April meeting, Hawk described the session as brutal and stated that the officials felt scalped by the turnout and the remarks. Video of the exchange recently surfaced, prompting immediate reaction from tribal leadership who argued the remark relied on racial stereotypes and distracted from the bridge's closure.

Michael Jack, director of Quechan Parks and Recreation, confronted the county board directly on Tuesday. He stated he was highly upset because Hawk's personal feelings appeared to outweigh the community's practical needs. Jack emphasized that the original gathering was intended to build support for rebuilding the bridge, not to debate the supervisor's later characterization of the event. He argued the focus must return to fixing the infrastructure rather than analyzing the language used in the meeting.

The closure has forced drivers onto longer detours via the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge. This route exposes commuters to train delays and heavy traffic in Yuma. Cody Hartt, a member of the Quechan Tribe, noted that the current situation places children at risk. He described the area as the major hub for the community and cited dangers such as crossing railroad tracks and using unmaintained underpasses.

Richard Cordero, superintendent of the San Pasqual Valley Unified School District, raised questions about emergency logistics. He asked whether ambulances would have to take a long route around to reach Yuma Regional. The tribe's president sent a letter on Wednesday stating the issue is about respect, not politics. The letter requests a public apology, a 30-day timeline for repairs, an emergency access plan, and a government-to-government meeting with the board.

Hawk sent a statement to Arizona's Family offering an apology to the tribe and community members. He confirmed that repairing the Picacho Road Bridge is a top priority for the board. The Imperial County Board of Supervisors also issued a full apology. Jack said the path forward requires both sides to come together and do the work.