Navajo committee advances $34 million for livestock feed, water hauling and windmills

A Navajo Nation Council committee has advanced more than $34 million in emergency drought spending, though the money is not yet approved, according to the Office of the Speaker.

The Resources and Development Committee approved the measure on the consent agenda by a vote of five in favor and none opposed. It now advances to the Budget and Finance Committee for further consideration.

The legislation would appropriate the money from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to address prolonged drought conditions that continue to threaten water availability, livestock operations, agriculture and public safety.

The package allocates $9.45 million to the Department of Agriculture for livestock feed assistance, farm and ranch infrastructure improvements, irrigation repairs and drought mitigation programs; $15.47 million to the Department of Water Resources for water infrastructure improvements and emergency water projects; $600,000 to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for climate adaptation and wildlife water infrastructure; $7.5 million to restore and rehabilitate windmills serving 15 chapters on the Navajo Partitioned Lands; and $1 million to the San Juan River Diné Water Users to support irrigation operations and agricultural water delivery.

The measure also waives certain fiscal restrictions to allow the funding to remain available until the projects are completed, recognizing that drought recovery extends beyond a single fiscal year, and requires quarterly progress reports to the committee.

Brenda Jesus, who chairs the Resources and Development Committee, said drought has placed increasing pressure on farmers, ranchers and rural communities that depend on reliable water sources. "As conditions become more severe, we have a responsibility to invest in practical, long-term solutions that strengthen our water infrastructure and provide meaningful assistance to our farmers and ranchers."

Speaker Crystalyne Curley, who sponsored the legislation, said drought is no longer a seasonal challenge but a long-term reality that requires decisive action and sustained investment.

The legislation cites the state of emergency declaration, Stage 2 fire restrictions and longstanding drought contingency planning.