Navajo Nation Puts Block Grants Toward Seven Infrastructure Projects

By Rick Abasta November 5, 2011

The final selections have been made for the fiscal year 2011 Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG). The Navajo Nation was approved for $4.5 million, which will fund seven infrastructure projects.

The Navajo Nation Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was awarded $4,506,720 by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to construct six power line projects and one waterline project.

Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director (NNDCD) Arbin Mitchell said the seven projects funded are all basic infrastructure needs most requested from Navajo chapters.

“We still have students out there doing their homework using the dim light from a lantern,” Mitchell said in a press release. “These projects will go a long way toward improving their quality of life.”

HUD’s Southwest Office of Native American Programs (SWONAP) contacted the Navajo Nation for the funding approval on September 7, 2011, which is also the effective date of funding.

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