Navajo-Gallup Water Project: Expanded Service and Funding Updates
This act amends the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, expanding its service area to new communities and increasing its budget. The goal is to improve water access for the Navajo and Jicarilla Apache Nations and Gallup residents, while streamlining fund management for water infrastructure development and maintenance.
Key points
Expanded Water Service Area: The project can now deliver water to additional Navajo Nation communities in New Mexico and Arizona, increasing water access for more people.
Increased Funding and Flexibility: The project budget has been raised to $2.175 billion, with provisions for deferring construction of certain facilities and establishing a special fund for their future completion or alternative solutions.
Land into Trust: Certain lands, including those related to water infrastructure, will be taken into trust for the Navajo Nation, strengthening their control over key resources.
Renewable Energy Potential: The act allows for funds to be used for renewable and hydroelectric power development for parts of the project, potentially reducing operational costs and supporting sustainability.
Taxation Clarification: Rules for taxing the construction and maintenance of project facilities are defined, specifying which activities are subject to taxation by the Navajo Nation and which by the state or its subdivisions.
Trust Fund Management: Rules for managing trust funds for the Navajo and Jicarilla Apache Nations, designated for water infrastructure development, operation, and maintenance, have been established and amended to ensure financial stability.
Introduced
Citizen Poll