Indian Country Today
Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema spoke with the Navajo County Board of Supervisors to discuss historic investments for the county and tribal communities in the Sinema-led Infrastructure Investments and Jobs law. Sinema also listened to tribal transportation priorities and pledged to continue working to ensure the Navajo Nation receives its fair share of funds.
“Investments from our infrastructure law fully fund the Winslow Levee Project, safeguarding Arizona communities and jobs from dangerous flooding and other environmental disasters. I’ll keep working with the Navajo Nation and tribal leaders across Arizona to ensure they have the resources needed for their communities,” said Sinema, co-author and lead negotiator of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law.
In January, Sinema worked directly with the Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Shalanda Young to prioritize and secure full funding for the construction of the Little Colorado River Flood Control (Winslow Levee) project in the Army Corps’ 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs spend plan.
During the call, Navajo County Supervisor Albert Peshlakai thanked Sinema for her advocacy on behalf of tribal communities throughout bipartisan negotiations that resulted in this investment.
The Winslow Levee has been decertified since 2008 and is a danger to the surrounding communities — particularly Navajo and underserved communities — and a key rail line that moves billions of dollars of goods through Arizona each year. With historic funding from Sinema’s infrastructure law, the Winslow Levee will protect the town of Winslow against flooding that could harm Arizona families and Arizona jobs, and disrupt supply chains through the country.
Members of the Navajo Nation on the call included Alberto Peshlakai (Navajo County Supervisor District II), Rochella Lacapa (Government Relations Director), and Glenn Kephart (County Manager).