Village gets water

Diné Bureau

FORT DEFIANCE — Thursday marked a historic day for remote Rincon Marquez about 14 miles south of Torreon Chapter House. Tribal, state and federal representatives joined local residents as Louise Apachito of Rincon Marquez used an access card to send water surging from Torreon through a new $1 million line to the community.

Until Thursday, residents had to travel up to 70 miles to get drinking water.

Resources Committee Vice Chairperson LaVern Wager, Pueblo Pintado/Torreon/Whitehorse Lake chapters, held the hose along with Navajo Nation Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. as the water began to flow.

"This is a historic day for Rincon Marquez. I'd like to say thank you to all the people who participated and made this dream come true for our community. It's been a long time coming. Within the last three years, with the right people in the right place, we started to move forward with our vision to bring progress to this rural community," Wagner said.

Representatives from the offices of Navajo Nation Council Speaker Lawrence Morgan (Iyanbito/Pinedale), Sens. Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman, Rep. Tom Udall, and BIA Regional Director Elouise Chicharello extended congratulations to the community and appreciation to all those who helped make the waterline a reality.

The celebration began at Torreon Chapter with Torreon Delegate David Rico recognizing guests and former delegate Tommy Chavez offering the welcome address.

Members of the Resources Committee, which helped clear the right of way for the water line project after visiting the community, also addressed the audience.

Delegate Larry Noble, Jeddito/Steamboat/Low Mountain who is a member of the Resources Committee said he remembered the council's horse ride three years ago, which began at Torreon. When delegates passed through Rincon Marquez, community members greeted them and also conveyed their need for a water line.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided $1 million in grant money to fund the water system.

A representative speaking on behalf of Speaker Morgan congratulated community members for having a vision, developing a plan and seeing it through.

"You are an inspiration to the other communities across the Navajo Nation that are encountering the same challenges. This is a great day for your community."