WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren today signed emergency legislation for $5,997,317 to replenish 110 Navajo communities’ emergency response fund accounts.
President Nygren requested the special council session on Wednesday so chapters would be ready for more winter storms and the $2.1 million permits the Department of Emergency Management to cover expences and be prepared for new ones.
The President met Navajo Nation Council delegates on the steps of the Navajo Nation Council Chamber shortly after they passed the funding legislation.
“The first resolution I signed as President last January was to approve $3 million for chapter emergency preparedness,” President Nygren said.
“Today, the council and I moved quickly on this funding because our communities must be prepared for the coming weather.”
The law also funds Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management operations.
Within a few seconds – and unknown in recent memory – Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley certified the legislative resolution just before President Nygren signed it into law.
“This legislation is very important for our winter response and allocates $35,000 to each chapter for emergency response relief,” Speaker Curley said. “Additionally, this legislation allocates $2.1 million to emergency management providing relief Navajo Nation-wide.”
Navajo Nation Council Resolution No. CJA-11-24 was sponsored by Council Delegate George Tolth and passed unanimously at today’s special session.
“This funding will go toward paying for fuel for heavy equipment in many chapters,” said Delegate Tolth. “Many of the chapters in my area have been heavily impacted.”
The Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management separately received a major infusion of $2,147,317 to support staffing, equipment and other operating expenses.
The department provides overall emergency response coordination and incident command for the Navajo Nation.
The allocation will support snow removal, emergency wood stockpiles, winter rations and other supplies and services.
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