FRUITLAND, NM — As one of the first stops in Northern Agency, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with Nenahnezad chapter leaders on August 29. Nenahnezad is one of the first Chapters to have a Navajo name. Nenahnezad means a long incline where historically the road led to the river to the upper mesa of the community.
The chapter addressed key issues relating to ARPA/RRR funds to accommodate housing and utilities, and roads. These were addressed by President Nygren, Tom Platero, Director of Department of Transportation, and chapter representatives. The meeting was led by Tony Skrelunas, Director of Economic Development.
Attendees were President Nygren, Nenahnezad chapter officials, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, and division directors from Division of Natural Resources, Navajo Nation Broadband Office, Division of Transportation, Navajo Department of Health, Division of Economic Development, Division of Children and Family Services, Division of Community Development and Fiscal Recovery Fund Office.
Nenahnezad Chapter President Norman C. Begaye and Andrea Lope, Chapter Secretary/Treasurer both took turns with explaining issues in detail and included topics like CHID housing, land withdrawals and crime.
With ARPA/RRR funds, CHID housing was a concern and the chapter questioned the use of these funds and how to use them for utilities and bathroom additions.
A Division of Community Development representative provided information that the chapter can use to better understand this topic.
Additionally, grazing permits were another concern and the chapter wants to rehabilitate land and have it fully given back to Nenahnezad from outside sources.
Within this community, there were reports of stolen equipment from the chapter and from Fish and Wildlife. The equipment was returned but the chapter asked for recommendations on how to prevent it from happening again.
Lastly, a recent flood affected Nenahnezad and San Juan chapters, where the rain flooded all irrigation systems, clogged and overflowed irrigation pipes that went into farms and roads. The chapter expressed safety concerns and high need for road infrastructure.
“These chapter visits aren’t just meetings, I want to make sure we support our chapters by working together,” President Nygren said. “I will do what I can to support you and make sure Nenahnezad is very successful in pushing projects forward.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.