WINDOW ROCK – Navajo families in New Mexico are a step closer to stronger, more reliable water infrastructure after Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren recently signed five agreements securing $7.45 million for waterline construction and improvements.
The agreements provide funding for projects ranging from improvements to an existing regional water system in Huerfano to major community waterline construction in Coyote Canyon, Thoreau and Iyanbito.
“Every one of these agreements represents another investment in our families and communities,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “We are bringing $7.45 million into the Navajo Nation and putting those dollars toward something our people need every single day – water. Our work now is to keep these projects moving so these investments become waterlines in the ground and reliable infrastructure for our families.”
The five agreements include:
(1) Coyote Canyon Chapter – $5.7 million: Funding for the Coyote Canyon Community Waterline Project, including labor, materials, equipment, professional design services, coordination and construction necessary to complete the community waterline.
(2) Iyanbito Chapter – $1.2 million: Funding for the Iyanbito Waterlines project to support labor, materials, equipment and other work necessary for community waterline construction.
(3) Iyanbito Chapter – $300,000: A separate capital outlay investment for construction of a community waterline.
(4) Thoreau Chapter – $200,000: Funding to advance the Thoreau Regional 371 Water Supply Project and construction of a community waterline.
(5) Huerfano Chapter – $50,000: Funding for the Carson-Burnham Regional Water System to support waterline replacement and other improvements intended to increase flow capacity, improve system reliability and provide a more dependable water supply for Huerfano, Burnham and surrounding communities.
The funding comes through the State of New Mexico and will be administered by the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development through its Capital Projects Management Department.
“For too long, Navajo families have lived with inadequate water infrastructure or without running water altogether,” President Nygren said. “These are not just numbers on agreements. This is $7.45 million that can be turned into pipes, construction and infrastructure in our communities. That is the outcome we are working toward.”
The Coyote Canyon, Thoreau and Iyanbito projects are scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2026, with completion anticipated by June 30, 2030. The Huerfano funding will support improvements to the Carson-Burnham Regional Water System, including portions of existing distribution waterlines.
President Nygren said partnerships with the State of New Mexico have been critical to addressing the Navajo Nation’s infrastructure needs.
“I want to send my sincerest thanks to New Mexico Indian Affairs Department Cabinet Secretary Josett Monette for being a strong partner to the Navajo Nation,” said President Nygren. “Secretary Monette understands the needs of our communities and has been instrumental in helping move projects forward across the Nation.”
President Nygren also thanked the New Mexico Legislature, the Indian Affairs Department, Navajo Nation Division of Community Development and the chapters and staff who have worked to advance the projects.
“We appreciate everyone who helped bring these agreements to my desk, but signing them is not the finish line,” President Nygren said. “Our people need these projects completed. We will continue working with our partners to move these dollars into construction and deliver the infrastructure our communities have waited for.”
