A New Era of Water Security: Construction Begins on $267 Million Navajo Treatment Plant

Construction has officially commenced on a major new infrastructure project, the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant, which is being built along Navajo Route 36 near Shiprock, New Mexico. Estimated to cost $267 million and slated for completion by late 2028, this facility is projected to play a vital role in securing access to clean drinking water for more than 200,000 people over the next four decades, including residents of surrounding communities in Arizona.

A Groundbreaking Commitment to Tribal Sovereignty

The momentous groundbreaking ceremony was led by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, who was joined by Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council Crystalyne Curley, New Mexico Indian Affairs Secretary Josette Monette, Policy Advisor James Big Mountain, and numerous other key stakeholders and leaders.

Once the facility is fully operational, the plant will possess the capacity to treat up to $18.8$ million gallons of water daily, ensuring the output consistently meets all standards set by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Furthermore, it has been designed with the ability to double its output to $37.6$ million gallons per day as future demand requires. Beyond delivering essential, long-term water security, the development phase of the project is expected to create an estimated 200 jobs for the region.

Vision for the Navajo Gallup Water Supply ProjectThe project is a transformative undertaking that results from a strong partnership with the U.S. federal government, underscoring a shared commitment to upholding the Treaty of 1868 and honoring the sovereignty and well-being of the Navajo Nation and surrounding Tribal communities. New Mexico Representative Teresa Leger-Fernandez, a proponent of the project, recalled the early support, stating, “The first year I was in office, I got to choose $10$ projects, and I chose this one.”

The ceremony included remarks and visions for the project—a major feature of the larger Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project—from numerous key personnel. These participants included Bart Deming, Four Corners Construction Office Project Engineer and Manager of the Bureau of Reclamation; Robert Kirk, Navajo Water Resources Principal Hydrologist; Jason John, Director of Navajo Water Resources; and Haatali Richard Anderson, who opened the agenda with a blessing. Also sharing their perspectives were Greg Fischer, Vice President of Jacob’s Design Build Operation and Management; Tanya Trujillo, New Mexico Governor’s Water Policy Advisor; and David Palumbo, Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. The collective vision confirms that this infrastructure investment will deliver stability and health to a significant portion of the Southwest.