MARIANO LAKE, NM — During a visit to Mariano Lake, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren toured two home improvement projects aimed at improving sanitation and quality of life for Diné families—one bathroom addition and one bathroom renovation.
At the first home, President Nygren viewed a newly completed bathroom addition, part of ongoing efforts to bring running water and indoor plumbing to households that previously lacked full facilities. In this case, the homeowner had relied on an outhouse located roughly 20 feet from the home. Seeing the finished project firsthand, President Nygren expressed gratitude for the impact it brings to the family, noting the comfort and dignity that comes with having indoor facilities for the first time. Joking about the quality and layout of the new bathroom, he said, “Am I at Quality Inn?” highlighting just how modern and well-built the space felt.
At a second residence, the President visited a bathroom renovation project, where an existing bathroom was upgraded to improve safety, accessibility, and overall functionality. The home itself reflected years of use, with worn surfaces and aging infrastructure, yet the focus of the visit remained on the positive transformation underway. The renovation is designed to ensure the space is safer and more comfortable for the family, especially elders who rely on accessible home environments.
While bathroom additions and renovations may seem like small projects on the surface, their impact is deeply meaningful. For many families, stepping into a newly built or upgraded bathroom represents a moment of relief and dignity—a clean, safe space that contrasts with long-standing housing challenges and brings a renewed sense of comfort inside the home. During both visits, President Nygren emphasized the importance of meeting families where they are and continuing to invest in essential infrastructure one home at a time.
In October 2024, President Buu Nygren signed Resolution CO-41-24, allocating an additional $49.1 million in unused ARPA funds to expand the program beyond new additions to include bathroom renovation upgrades. Under the Nygren Administration, more than 1,000 bathroom additions and renovations have been completed since. The projects in Mariano Lake reflect the ongoing commitment to addressing long-standing housing and sanitation needs across the Navajo Nation.
