Navajo projects likely to cost $850 million

FARMINGTON, N.M. — Basic infrastructure costs on the Navajo Nation could top $850 million according to an Indian Community Development Block Grant program estimate.

A programs and projects specialist for the block grant program estimates water line installation in underserved areas across the reservation could cost as much as $600 million.

Stringing power lines to service the more than 18,000 residents who live on the sprawling reservation, which covers parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, could cost $250 million or more.

The Daily Times reports in the past year, $4.5 million in Indian Community Development Block Grants allowed the Navajo Nation to complete eight power line projects totaling 110 miles.

— Associated Press