SHIPROCK — A major infrastructure upgrade is taking shape in Shiprock – a $67 million ARPA-funded wastewater treatment plant is currently under construction. This will double capacity and support generations of growth tied to newly secured Navajo – New Mexico water settlements.
The new facility, designed to handle up to 2 million gallons of wastewater per day – an increase from the previous 1 million – aims to serve a growing population and increasing development made possible by expanded access to clean water.
“This is one big step towards accomplishing Navajo sovereignty,” said Rayni F. Nelson, Associate DGM from NTUA. “The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority has a long range global plan to address the acquired Navajo water rights across all of Navajo to make use of the substantially expanded Navajo water availability.”
On July 30, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren toured the construction site to witness the progress with construction crews and NTUA representatives. He reflected on the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports both the people and the land.
“This plant is more than concrete and steel. This is about protecting our water, our future, and our children,” President Nygren said. “It represents my commitment to our communities which will no longer be left behind with decades-old infrastructure.”
NTUA officials, which is leading the project, said the new facility includes upgraded infrastructure such as headworks, an influent pump station, extended aeration systems, a blower building, sludge dewatering, administration offices, and renovations to existing crew facilities. The old plant will be decommissioned and demolished once the new one is operational.
Built to last over 50 years, the plant features a scalable “treatment train” design, allowing it to grow with the community’s needs down the line.
The project is part of NTUA’s broader plan to address wastewater infrastructure across the Nation, with plants also underway in Kayenta and Chinle, and designs in progress for Tuba City, Ganado and Coalmine Canyon.