Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren's Weekly Radio Address (in Diné Bizaad)
Thursday, January 16, 2025
1. Introduction
2. Local Announcements
- Missing person: Gary Barney, 53, last seen December 28 in Vanderwagon, NM
- Update: Elvira Shay has been located and is safe
3. State of the Navajo Nation
Economic Development:
- ARPA Small Business Artisan Relief: $6.3M to 541 businesses
- Small Business Credit Initiative: $26M initial funding
- Hospitality achievements:
- Shonto Hotel opening soon ($17M investment, 30 jobs)
- Shiprock Pinnacle Hotel progress ($22M, 40 jobs)
- Goulding's Lodge acquisition ($7M annual revenue, 300+ jobs)
Housing Initiatives:
- 1,000 Home Initiative progress: 474 homes contracted
- 84 homes for Former Bennett Freeze Area ($10.8M)
- 360 modular homes through DCD ($55.1M)
- 71% increase in homesite lease approvals
- Veterans housing: 170 homes planned, 13 built, 3 renovated
Water Rights & Infrastructure:
- Two major water rights bills introduced
- $120M/year through FY2029 for Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project
- 258 homes connected to water systems
- 754 windmills repaired
- Beacon Bisti Water Project ($7M)
- Tohajilee Waterline Project ($20M)
Senior Centers & Community Development:
- Tselani/Cottonwood Senior Center opened ($3.27M)
- $184M in Sihasin Funds for senior centers
- ADA compliance upgrades: $16M allocated
- Multiple renovation projects underway
Find a full report at: https://opvp.navajo-nsn.gov/the-second-peoples-state-of-the-nation-comprehensive-report/
4. Closing: Thank you and tune in next week!
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This audio program and description are produced by the Navajo Nation Office of the President, which is responsible for its content.
OPVP Media: https://opvp.navajo-nsn.gov/administration/#media
Content Coordinator: Kristin Carl
Audio Editor: Byron C. Shorty
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