TÓHAJIILEE, N.M. – Tóhajiilee community members look towards Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren as they end a 20-year wait for a new future with clean running water.
The new $20 million waterline began construction on May 15 between the Navajo Nation, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, and the Jicarilla Apache Tribe to deliver water to Tóhajiilee.
“This water not only means water for homes in the community,” said President Nygren. “But for our local clinic, schools, chapter houses, and economic opportunities.”
The waterline will obtain water from the San Juan Chama Project under an agreement with the Jicarilla Apache Tribe and then be sent to water treatment facilities in Albuquerque and, lastly, deliver clean water to the Tóhajiilee community.
President Nygren thought of the 16,000 community members who rely on one overused well while the remaining five for the community have become unusable.
“We built out this project so families can grow in size and still leave available water for economic development opportunities,” said President Nygren.
In previous conversations with Council Delegate Norman Begay who services this community, President Nygren shared he wanted to be more involved with eastern agencies like Tóhajiilee and Ramah because of the lack of presence the Navajo Nation government has had in prior administrations.
President Nygren continues to ensure clean and safe water for all Navajo communities.
“This waterline is a testament to the great things we can accomplish through hard work and collaboration. I can’t wait to see it completed so our families can access clean and safe water for their children.”
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