US Sen. Ben Ray Luján visits Diné Bikéyah to highlight federal funding for electricity, water projects
By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times
SHIPROCK – Last month, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján visited a Navajo home that recently received electricity, highlighting federal efforts to bring modern infrastructure to tribal communities.
Luján, a long-time fighter for Indigenous issues, emphasized the impact of projects like Light Up Navajo, which has brought power to nearly 1,000 homes across the Navajo Nation and extended almost 250 miles of power lines.
“In 2024, no family should be without electricity,” said Sen. Luján during his visit. “I was honored to visit a Navajo Nation home that now has access to electricity thanks to the American Rescue Plan, which I was proud to help pass into law. Although we’ve helped electrify many homes in our tribal communities, the job is not done. There are still far too many families across the Navajo Nation that are living without access to electricity. I remain committed to expanding electrical connectivity and will keep fighting to bring electricity to every Navajo Nation home.”
LUN project, reliable access to electricity
The Light Up Navajo project, a collaborative effort of federal and local agencies, has been a crucial step toward addressing electricity access across the Navajo Nation, where thousands of families have lived without power for generations.
The visit also included a conversation with Wilfred Franklin, the manager at Navajo Tribal Utility Authority’s Shiprock District, who shared the on-the-ground realities of these projects. Reflecting on the challenges of delivering consistent utility services, he remarked, “Some of it may be long-term, some may be short. It’s a matter of due diligence and how it’s transformed and put into play.”
He emphasized the NTUA’s commitment to its customers, noting that each project brings them closer to a vision of reliable access to electricity for all. “We want to make sure that we meet our customers’ needs,” he said. “Whether it’s a question or two they want answered or services they’re requesting, we take the lead to keep it moving.”
Franklin highlighted the unique infrastructure challenges faced by the Navajo Nation, noting the impact of seasonal weather, complex land ownership laws, and natural landscape barriers. For instance, maintaining power lines often involves trimming overgrowth from nearby trees – a persistent issue.
Despite these challenges, he said, the NTUA remains focused on building and maintaining critical infrastructure to help Navajo Nation families gain access to essential resources. “Once everything is finalized, everyone will be a happy customer,” he added.
Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project
Following his visit, Sen. Luján toured the ongoing Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, a large-scale infrastructure initiative aiming to provide a sustainable water supply to about a quarter-million people across the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas. Over his years in Congress, Luján has supported this project, securing more than $300 million in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Once completed, the project will deliver reliable, clean water to many Navajo families that currently lack running water.
“Once completed, the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will deliver clean, reliable drinking water to thousands of Navajo Nation homes, including many homes that currently live without running water,” Luján remarked. “I am glad to see the progress that has been made on this monumental water infrastructure project and am proud to have delivered millions of dollars to support it. I will continue to fight to ensure the pipeline is fully funded and completed by 2029.”
Sen. Luján’s visit underscores the importance of federal investment in tribal lands, promising essential utilities that many communities still lack. As these projects progress, thousands of families across the Navajo Nation will gain critical access to electricity and clean water.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow