WATERFLOW, N.M. — With washed-out roads, limited housing infrastructure, and mounting public safety concerns weighing heavily on residents, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with San Juan Chapter President Angelita A. Benally, chapter leadership, division directors, and law enforcement officials on Dec. 1, 2025, for a focused discussion on the community’s most urgent needs.
Leaders detailed ongoing challenges with community and farm roads, including the need to update the Navajo DOT inventory, resolve right-of-way barriers, and move the ARPA-funded N362 chip seal project forward. Recent flash flooding has worsened conditions, damaging roads and farmland and prompting calls for improved drainage and long-term repair planning. Community members also highlighted major concerns with the irrigation canal system, noting that flood damage has weakened canal walls, slowed water flow, and impacted local farmland. They emphasized the need for visual inspections and coordinated repairs to protect agricultural operations, given the canal’s importance to local farmers.
Progress on housing for high-risk elders was also shared, with five ARPA homes assigned and three now occupied. Additional bathroom renovation assessments and ARPA-funded road, housing, and warehouse projects are currently in motion. Community members further highlighted the ongoing need for additional housing resources and farm equipment to support families and local agriculture.
The chapter is preparing a land withdrawal request along N36 to support future community development and sought guidance as they advance the project.
Public safety officials reported staffing shortages, chronic speeding on N36, and rising calls for service. Community members voiced strong support for establishing a police substation to increase visibility and response times. Leaders also discussed recruitment challenges and emphasized the need to strengthen emergency response efforts and support officers who respond to domestic violence and other high-risk incidents.
President Nygren thanked the officers, the Chief, and all chapter representatives for their continued work. He also encouraged new chapter vendors to reach out for assistance as San Juan moves forward with its priority infrastructure, housing, and public safety projects.