Building Health for the Future: Dibble’s Role in the New Hospital for Fort Apache Indian Reservation

Dibble is providing civil engineering services for the new Whiteriver Hospital, a $680 million, 395,844-square-foot facility on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona. Developed by Indian Health Services in partnership with the White Mountain Apache Tribe, this project will transform healthcare access for the Tribe and surrounding communities.

The hospital will deliver inpatient and outpatient care, emergency and specialty services, ambulatory surgery, and community health programs. Designed to serve nearly 19,100 people by 2030, it also incorporates sustainable design features and is targeting LEED Gold certification.

Building on the site of the existing hospital brings unique challenges, as services must remain operational throughout construction. Dibble’s team is addressing these complexities with grading, drainage, floodplain studies, stormwater management, utility design, and traffic improvements—all while coordinating closely with project partners to ensure cultural and community needs are respected.

Once complete, the Whiteriver Hospital will stand as one of the region’s most significant healthcare facilities, offering modern medical care and strengthened infrastructure for generations to come. This project blends engineering innovation, sustainability, and lasting community impact.