Grand Canyon glass bridge case still not clear

August 24, 2012

An arbitrator has awarded a Las Vegas developer about $28 million in a contract dispute over the Grand Canyon Skywalk. KJZZ’s Al Macias reports that may not be the final word.

The Hualapai owns the glass bridge that gives visitors a view of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

The tribe says the American Arbitration Association lacks jurisdiction in the case. The arbitrator ruled that the developer, David Jin, is entitled to the money.

The tribe declined to participate in a July hearing. It says the proceeding was unnecessary because the tribe already had severed Jin's interest in the Skywalk.

Jin’s attorney says it's clear through a management agreement that disputes go to arbitration.

A federal court ultimately will decide whether David Jin is entitled to the money.