WINDOW ROCK, AZ – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez finalized inter-governmental agreements through the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development, for several capital outlay projects related to water and wastewater infrastructure development, chapter house facilities, and solar lighting in several Navajo communities in the state of New Mexico.
Earlier this year, Navajo Nation leaders worked with New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the State Legislature during the state’s legislative session to secure $14.9 million in Capital Outlay Funds for chapters located in New Mexico.
“With the signing of the inter-governmental agreements, these critical projects move a step further toward completion to benefit our Navajo people and communities,” said President Nez. “To move these funds through the process and full implementation takes commitment and dedication of many Navajo Nation employees from the Division of Community Development and others. It also took a lot of collaboration and support from Navajo Nation leaders, chapter officials, and state leaders to secure the funds. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Governor Lujan Grisham, State Legislators, Indian Affairs Department, and all state agencies.”
The capital outlay projects that were signed by President Nez include:
- $125,000 to renovate, furnish, and equip the Ojo Encino Chapter House
- $100,000 to plan, design, construct, and purchase solar streetlights at the Shiprock Industrial Park
- $75,000 to plan, design, construct, and purchase and equip a multi-purpose facility in Whitecone, NM
- $200,000 to make site improvements and to plan, design, and construct, purchase and equip perimeter fencing for the Iyanbito Chapter
- $100,000 to acquire rights of way to plan, design, and construct a sewer lagoon in the Pueblo Pintado Chapter
- $500,000 to acquire easements and rights of way to plan, design and construct, including surveying and archeological and environmental studies, water system improvements for the regional San Juan lateral water project in the Tse Alnaozti’I Chapter
- $779,000 to acquire easements and rights of way to plan, design and construct, including surveying and archeological and environmental studies, water system improvements for the regional San Juan lateral water project in the Mexican Springs Chapter
- $599,000 to acquire easements and rights of way to plan, design and construct, including surveying and archeological and environmental studies, water system improvements for the regional San Juan lateral water project in the Naschitti Chapter
- $100,000 to acquire easements and rights of way to plan, design and construct, including surveying and archeological and environmental studies, water system improvements for the regional San Juan lateral water project in the Two Grey Hills Chapter
- $50,000 to acquire land, easements and rights of way for and to design and construct waterline extensions, including archeological and environmental studies and clearances in the Tse’ii’ahi Chapter
- $660,000 to acquire easements and rights of way to design and construct a water system to serve the Vanderwagon community of the Chichiłtah Chapter
“This is a positive collaboration between multiple entities and it took a great deal of time and advocacy to voice our position and secure the funding,” said Vice President Myron Lizer. “We must continue to work together to fully implement every dollar and see these projects come to fruition. We appreciate everyone who continues to move these efforts forward.”
