WHITE ROCK, N.M. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with leadership on Feb. 27 from the Lake Valley, White Rock, and Becenti Chapters to hear directly about the priorities facing their communities and to identify clear paths forward.
Each chapter carries a deep history. In Lake Valley, elders continue to recount the story of the dam built in the 1930s that created the lake and helped shape the community.
In White Rock, Tse’ligai operates under the Local Governance Act with a strong commitment to culture and growth. Becenti, known as Tloo’di’tsin and Jadi hadi t’iih’, reflects generations of resilience within the checkerboard area.
Alongside that history, chapter leaders shared several urgent needs.
Lake Valley raised concerns about the breached earthen dam at Juan’s Lake, repeated flooding along Routes 7007 and 7733, and a washed-out dirt bridge that is affecting a school bus route. Leaders also requested support for home renovations and ADA accessibility for community members.
White Rock leadership discussed the stalled CR 8890 road project and the pending memorandum of understanding between the Navajo Division of Transportation and San Juan County. The chapter is also dealing with a failing HVAC system, ongoing utility shortfalls within its land claim fund, and rising electricity costs, prompting interest in exploring solar options.
In Becenti, road grading challenges tied to land status and closed gates are affecting elderly residents and school transportation routes. The chapter is seeking funding for a turn lane off Highway 371 to improve safety, upgrades to the chapter house, and clarity regarding ARPA and Capital Outlay project funding.
President Nygren stated it will continue working with Executive Directors, NDOT, the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development, and federal partners to move these projects forward and reduce delays. The effort focuses on improving infrastructure, road safety, and community facilities for Navajo Nation residents.
