Navajo Nation Committee Advances $34 Million Drought Relief Package

The Navajo Nation Resources and Development Committee (RDC) on Monday approved legislation that would appropriate more than $34 million to strengthen drought response efforts and improve water infrastructure across the Navajo Nation.

Legislation No. 0176-26 would allocate funding from the Nation’s Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance (UUFB) to address prolonged drought conditions that continue to threaten water supplies, agriculture, livestock operations, public safety, and the well-being of Diné communities.

The measure passed the RDC by a unanimous 5-0 vote and now moves to the Budget and Finance Committee for further consideration.

RDC Chairwoman Brenda Jesus said the proposal reflects the Nation’s commitment to supporting communities that have endured worsening drought conditions.

“Drought continues to impact families, livestock, and agricultural operations across the Navajo Nation,” Jesus said. “As conditions become more severe, we have a responsibility to invest in practical, long-term solutions that strengthen our water infrastructure and provide meaningful assistance to our farmers and ranchers. This funding package is about protecting our communities today while building greater resilience for the future.”

The legislation would provide funding to the Division of Natural Resources and affiliated programs for a range of drought mitigation projects, including livestock feed assistance, agricultural infrastructure improvements, emergency water hauling, rehabilitation and construction of water infrastructure, wildlife water systems, restoration of windmills on the Navajo Partitioned Lands, and irrigation system improvements along the San Juan River.

The proposal also waives certain fiscal restrictions so the funding will remain available until projects are completed, recognizing that drought recovery and infrastructure improvements often extend beyond a single fiscal year. The legislation cites the Navajo Nation’s State of Emergency declaration, Stage 2 fire restrictions, and existing drought contingency planning as justification for the investment.

Speaker Crystalyne Curley, who sponsored the legislation, said the Nation must prepare for drought as an ongoing challenge rather than a temporary crisis.

“Drought is no longer a seasonal challenge. It is a long-term reality that requires decisive action and sustained investment,” Curley said. “This legislation strengthens our ability to protect water resources, support the families who depend on farming and ranching, and build infrastructure that will serve our communities for generations to come. By investing in water security today, we are preparing the Nation to meet future challenges with resilience.”

Under the proposal, the funding would be distributed as follows:

• $15.47 million to the Department of Water Resources for water infrastructure improvements and emergency water projects.
• $9.45 million to the Department of Agriculture for livestock feed assistance, farm and ranch infrastructure improvements, irrigation repairs, and drought mitigation programs.
• $7.5 million to restore and rehabilitate windmills serving 15 Navajo Partitioned Lands chapters.
• $1 million to the San Juan River Diné Water Users to support irrigation operations and agricultural water delivery.
• $600,000 to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for climate adaptation initiatives and wildlife water infrastructure.

To ensure transparency and oversight, the legislation requires quarterly progress reports to the Resources and Development Committee throughout implementation.

If approved by the Budget and Finance Committee and subsequently by the Navajo Nation Council, the funding package would represent one of the Nation’s largest recent investments in drought response, aimed at improving water security while strengthening the long-term resilience of Navajo communities, farmers, and ranchers.