Army Corps of Engineers to partner with Navajo Nation on Bennett Freeze development

Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez (middle left) and President Russell Begaye (middle right) welcome Assistant Secretary of Army Corps of Engineers Jo Ellen Darcey with a traditional Navajo blanket. Darcy visited the Navajo Nation Jan. 27 to discuss Bennett Freeze development. Photo/Mihio Manus

Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez (middle left) and President Russell Begaye (middle right) welcome Assistant Secretary of Army Corps of Engineers Jo Ellen Darcey with a traditional Navajo blanket. Darcy visited the Navajo Nation Jan. 27 to discuss Bennett Freeze development. Photo/Mihio Manus

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - The assistant secretary of the Army Corps of Engineers visited the Navajo Nation Jan. 27 to discuss establishing a partnership with the Nation to address the Bennett Freeze area.

Jo Ellen Darcy, assistant secretary of Army Corps of Engineers, visited with Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez. Darcy supervises the Department of Army Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for investigating, developing and maintaining U.S. water and wetland resources, flood control, navigation and shore.

Begaye gave a brief history of the Bennett Freeze area to Darcy and her staff.

"We need repairs to windmills that supplied water for ranchers and home owners in this area," Begaye said. "In addition, repairs are needed to our reservoirs with much needed earth moving equipment."

Nez said a resource action team has been organized to address the area.

"We will have four technical teams who will work together: economic and community development, housing, infrastructure and public safety," he said.

Nez also discussed finding a Navajo name for the initiative, which would empower Navajos living in the region and end the stigma that has been associated with former commissioner Robert Bennett, he said.

Darcy and members of her staff also participated in the interagency collaboration meeting, which included Navajo Nation departments, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Navajo Housing Authority and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority.

The Army Corps of Engineers has committed to assisting the Nation with its efforts in watershed management and planning. The Corps had assisted the Nation in the past with mapping and flood plain delineation, both of which are essential for smart development.

"Will the Navajo Nation be applying for the Promise Zone designation?" Darcy asked.

A Promise Zone designation would allow leaders of the Navajo Nation to partner with federal government programs to increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, reduce violent crimes, enhance public health and address other priorities defined by the Navajo Nation.

Begaye said the Nation has a team working on the application and he is confident the Nation will be selected as a designee.

Begaye also encouraged Darcy to work closely with the Navajo Nation Washington office to pursue the needed policy changes and potential funding sources through various federal agencies.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read