BECLABITO, N.M. – With New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joining by phone, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren on August 28 reaffirmed his administration’s partnership with the state to improve highways that cross the Navajo Nation.
Before taking office, President Nygren pledged to improve U.S. Highways 64 and 264 in collaboration with Gov. Lujan Grisham.
That commitment—supported by Beclabito Chapter resolutions, local leadership, and state representatives Anthony Allison and Joseph Hernandez—helped secure $59 million from the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funding widened and upgraded seven miles of roadway.
“As someone who often travels this very route, I know firsthand how vital this highway is for our community,” President Nygren said. “This roadway connects us to schools, jobs, medical services, and shopping in Shiprock, Farmington, and beyond.”
The project delivered paving, widening, and safety upgrades. U.S. Highway 64 now has 12-foot lanes, five- to eight-foot paved shoulders, rumble strips, and improved signage. Lighting, pedestrian crossings, and turn lanes were added near the chapter house. The Red Wash Bridge—historically prone to flooding—was replaced along with three other bridges. About 50 culverts were reconstructed for improved drainage.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chapter Vice President Larry L. Jack, who also serves as a pastor, blessed the road with anointing oil and prayed for the safety and wellbeing of community members and travelers.
Rep. Joseph Hernandez highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Projects like this require partnership between sovereigns—in this case, the Navajo Nation and New Mexico. When we work together, we get work done together.”
President Nygren also encouraged contractors, including Mountain States Contractors, to bid on Navajo Nation projects, which cover roughly 14,000 miles of roads.
“We have reduced our contract payout time down to 30 days,” President Nygren said. “With this new contracting amendment, we can finally push for more roads to be completed under the Nygren-Montoya Administration.”