Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –Funding will resume for a project to transport water from the San Juan River to serve parts of the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the city of Gallup. The money was due last year but had not been dispersed as of last week. Bureau of Reclamation acting commissioner, Scott Cameron, told a March 11th meeting of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, he was unaware of delays impacting the disbursement of funds. Senator Ben Ray Lujan announced Monday that the Bureau of Reclamation had expedited the delivery of funding. Lujan said, “Ensuring that the Navajo Nation, City of Gallup, and Jicarilla Apache Nation have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water is vital for the health and well-being of rural and Tribal communities.” The project’s total cost is estimated at $2.1 billion and is projected to be completed in 2029.
