Shiprock supports power plant

By Brian Hassler
Staff Writer

SHIPROCK — It took a little longer than expected but the Shiprock Chapter finally passed a resolution supporting the Desert Rock Power Plant on Sunday evening.

The discussion over a resolution concerning the plant began in January during the monthly chapter meeting when a resolution supporting Burnham's resolution opposing the plant was discussed by chapter members.

In January, chapter members voted unanimously to table the resolution so that further thought and consideration could be given to which direction they wanted to vote.

But Sunday's meeting allowed chapter members to further discuss a resolution that was confusing in its terms originally, as it was explained as a resolution supporting another chapter's opposition.

Finally a substitute motion was made that supported the plant and was passed following a 52-16 vote.

"I think it's a positive move by the chapters when they approve these resolutions," said Steven C. Begay, General Manager for the Din Power Authority. "We knew from that tabling motion from the last meeting, the tabling motion was 58-4. By a 58-4 vote, we knew the sentiment and we knew we would get a positive vote."

With the resolution for the $2.2 billion plant, Sithe Global and the DPA have the support of the largest chapter in the Navajo Nation.

"It's good that the largest chapter in the nation supported the project and gives it a real boost," said Begay. "The majority of the people want the project, and that's the sense that I get."

Upon passing the resolution on Sunday, Shiprock became one of three chapters that passed resolutions of approval on Sunday, with the others being the Oak Springs Chapter and St. Michaels Chapter.

"The sooner we get it done, the sooner the permitees will be paid what's owed to them and then we'll be working on the rights of way for the water line path, road path and transmission path," said Begay. "Then we can talk to them about what they'll be paid for relinquishing. There's more benefits to come."

Begay added that with other area mines closing, the need for the additional sources of income must be brought in, helping to improve the quality of life for the people of the Navajo Nation.

Protests of the plant have continued with each chapter meeting as complaints about pollution from plants around the country are pointed to as reasons for not building a plant.

But a focus on the future, instead of the past is needed says Sithe Global's Frank Maisano.

"Mainly with the protest, we're dealing with the ghosts of the past," said Maisano. "The systems we are going to have in place are the highest standards that the EPA has. What we're looking to do is focus on the future and look at what we have planned on doing with this plant. The people want the jobs and the ways that this is going to change the programs and financial standing on the reservation and they realize that we are serious about being environmentally responsible."

— Brian Hassler is The Independent's Four Corners reporter based in Shiprock. Contact him at (505) 360-7862 or via email at brianhassler@hotmail.com