Tribe works on improvement projects

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Eastern Agency Capital Improvements Office has several projects that are ongoing, according to the first quarter report for fiscal year 2009 by the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development.

The Eastern Agency CIO is still working on power line extensions for Counselor, Mariano Lake and Standing Rock; and on bathroom additions for Baca, Becenti, Churchrock, Little Water, Mariano Lake and Nageezi.

A contractor has been selected for the design of a wellness center in Crownpoint, according to the Eastern Agency CIO.

The Fort Defiance Agency CIO has 15 projects that are active and 25 that are stalled. Seven projects in the Fort Defiance Agency are listed as underfunded.

Central Agency

Central Agency Capital Improvements Office assisted with planning and implementing five bathroom additions at Nazlini chapter.

In the Central Agency, the rural addressing office added new staff to implement its initiative across the Navajo Nation.

In October, the Local Governance Support Center staff in Chinle tested the implementation of Blue Gap chapter’s five management system. In November, Chinle LGSC staff was in Piñon conducting an on-site review to see if chapter staff were practicing the policies and procedures of the five management system. The same types of on-site reviews were conducted by Chinle LGSC at Black Mesa and Forest Lake in December.

Four chapters in the Central Agency are waiting for certification of their community based land use plans, according to the Division of Community Development.

Northern Agency

The Northern Agency CIO completed six projects in the first quarter including Beclabito Head Start, house wiring in Burnham, power line and house wiring for eight clients in Sanostee, a power line project in Sweetwater and power line extension and photovoltaic SanvilleA 2/11/09 cq projects at Two Grey Hills.

The Northern Agency LGSC reported that Red Valley chapter developed and implemented plans of operation for scholarships, the Public Employment Program, housing discretionary funds and an Alert Team for emergency operations. The chapter also completed its five management system manuals, conducted public hearings and passed a resolution to approve the system.

The Teec Nos Pos chapter, also in the Northern Agency, has conducted public hearings and approved its five management system manuals. It will submit the manuals to the LGSC office for review.

Western Agency

The Western Agency CIO has 26 projects that are pending, have shortfalls or are close to completion. It has completed 25 projects, according to the Division report.

In the Western Agency, the Dennehotso senior center building is construction-ready.

The Western Agency LGSC stated that Bodaway-Gap, LeChee and Chilchinbeto chapters completed Title 26 requirements for certification of community based land use plans and Tolani Lake , Tonalea and Kaibeto updated their land use plans.

An outstanding issue with the Western Agency is lack of Internet service for Coalmine Canyon, Coppermine, Tonalea, Oljato and Navajo Mountain chapters. Birdsprings chapter also has problems with reliable Internet service.

The LGSC also reported that Birdsprings chapter completed its road naming project as part of the local rural addressing initiative. Each chapter in the Western Agency appointed representatives to the local rural addressing committee.

Design and Engineering Services

According to Design and Engineering Services, construction for a multi-purpose facility for Dennehotso could possibly start in April 2009.

The Leupp chapter house renovation is nearly complete. It is waiting for an inspection by a third-party. The chapter addition for Leupp was completed with $50,000 left.

A multi-purpose facility for Lupton is in phase II and will require completion of interior work before being occupied, according to the Division of Community Development first quarter report.

The main facility for the Upper Fruitland chapter was completed and the new scope of work includes an addition for veterans. The main facility for a White Horse Lake chapter has been completed and its new scope of work is to add a new kitchen and equipment.

The scope of work was reduced for the Cameron senior citizen center to bring the cost down to $120,000 from $195,000. K. Fowler Construction Co. was awarded the contract, which is being prepared by the DES compliance contract officer.