Atiin Ba Hane A publication of the Navajo Division of Transportation

Transcription

1 U.S. ROUTE 491 The main thoroughfare for the Four Corners region was closed on July 5, 2013, after heavy rains damaged a portion of the roadway, front page. MANUELITO BRIDGE Manuelito Canyon bridge has been closed due to dilapidated conditions, page 7. HONOR RIDERS 11th Annual Navajo Hopi Honor Run roars across the Navajo Nation in honor of Veterans, page july 2013 U.S. Route 491 closure Atiin Ba Hane A publication of the Navajo Division of Transportation navajo nation Road News Volume 1, Issue 3 Senate Bill 1317 signed by Gov. Jan Brewer, allows tribes stake in Arizona Aviation Fund U.S. Route 491 collapsed between Naschitti and Sheep Springs on July 5, The New Mexico Department of Transportation opened a temporary detour route on the eastern portion of the collapsed roadway on the afternoon of July 9 to restore essential traffic. NMDOT has not released a date for repairs on the main road. (Photo by Rick Abasta) NASCHITTI, N.M.-U.S. Route 491 is closed to traffic both directions between Sheep Springs and Naschitti, near milepost 44, after heavy rains collapsed a portion of the roadway on night of July 5, New Mexico Department of Transportation crews are onsite developing detours and scoping a permanent solution. Jeremiah Herrera is the NMDOT supervisor on the scene. Herrera said three channels of water undermined a 24-feet-by- 15-feet rise culvert. The rushing water bent the western side of the culvert up and caused the roadway to drop approximately 2.5-feet. NMDOT has a detour route in place for emergency vehicles and detour route for essential traffic could be completed as early as July 10. Crewmembers are currently installing pipe and grading the area. In the interim, all other motorists are advised to travel the detour route on U.S. 371 for transportation in the Four Corners area. For travelers headed to Window Rock, another route is available on Navajo Route 12 in Sheep Springs. Navajo Division of Transportation Director Paulson Chaco met with NMDOT officials July 6 to assess the damage. I met with Larry Maynard, District 6 engineer, to offer our assistance from the Navajo Nation but he said New Mexico DOT crews had the situation under control, Chaco said. Navajo DOT was contacted Friday night regarding the road collapse. In an to Chaco, Maynard stated, Permanent structure should be designed and constructed within four weeks, plus a week for roadway features. The road collapse occurred on SEE Emergency on page 2 WINDOW ROCK-After a lengthy six-month process winding its way through the Arizona Legislature, Senate Bill 1317 was signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer on June 20, Sponsored by Senator Jack Jackson, Jr. (D-Dist. 2), SB 1317 allows tribally-owned airports to participate in the Arizona Department of Transportation s Aviation Fund program. The purpose of the fund is to allow competitive grants for infrastructure and improvements to public airports in Arizona. The fund is financed by aviation fuel and aircraft registration fees imposed upon pilots in Arizona. There is no taxpayer dollars included in the Arizona Aviation Fund. This bill is a great opportunity for the 14 tribally-owned airports of Arizona to compete with other public airports to improve their runways and other needs, said Paulson Chaco, director of the Navajo Division of Transportation. He said pilots from these tribally-owned airports have contributed to the aviation fund since its inception and that it is only fair they are allowed to compete for approved infrastructure projects through the fund. The Navajo Nation has five airports in Arizona that can benefit from this legislation. We look forward to improving mobility for the northern part of the state, Chaco said. The Navajo Nation owns airports in the Arizona communities of Chinle, Ganado, Kayenta, Tuba City and Window Rock. The responsibility of guiding the Navajo Nation s airports is shouldered by Arlando Teller, program manager for the Department of Airport Management. He explained that the seed for SB 1317 was planted in The Arizona Airports Association initially supported the bill but cited concerns that tabled the legislation. They were supportive of allowing tribal airports to become eligible to utilize state aviation grants but they questioned the differing regulatory environment such as taxation and how tribes would pay into the program, Teller explained. Eventually in Dec. 2012, AAA s new president, Corinne Nystrom, supported amending the Arizona Revised Statutes , to include tribal governments to participate in the program. Subsequently, Sen. Jackson reintroduced SB 1317 in Jan for consideration by the Arizona Legislature. Teller said the disparity allowing for recognition of tribal governments to compete for the aviation funding was finally addressed after years of inequity. SEE AZ Aviation on page 16

2 division director's message Yá át ééh! A lot has happened since our previous issue last quarter. Recently, the Navajo Nation received much needed rain. While this weather is definitely a blessing, it also provided some challenges, as a portion of U.S. Route 491 collapsed between Sheep Springs and Naschitti. A temporary detour route is in place but we are still working with the NMDOT for the permanent repair of the roadway. Speaking of temporary detours, Navajo Route 20 is currently being paved by the ADOT. We celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for this construction in early June and there is already over 10 miles of roadway that has been paved. We again request residents in the area to respect the construction crews and follow all instructions as they travel the road to their respective home sites. ADOT is on track for opening the road to restore essential traffic in mid-august I went before the Arizona State Transportation Board in May and gave thanks and appreciation from the Navajo Nation for the funding the board approved for construction of N20. Upon completion, the road will be taken into the ADOT inventory and re-designated as U.S. 89T for a period of three years, after which, jurisdiction will be returned to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. We are also proud to say the potholed riddled Morgan Boulevard has been resurfaced near the Navajo Nation Capitol. We worked with the BIA Roads Department to complete this project, which many of our leaders have been requesting for through the years. NDOT road crews are back on Navajo Route 4 and finishing road improvements that began last fall. We had to close the project down unexpectedly, as our crew members encountered armed community members driving through the worksite. We are happy to report this Fuel Excise Tax project will be completed by the end of the month and we will continue with Red Dog Graveling projects in the area with our partners from Navajo County and Peabody Coal. Other FET projects that have been brought to completion are New Mexico projects in the communities of Iyanbito, Standing Rock and Twin Lakes. From parking lots to road improvements, these projects prove the FET funds continue to make a difference by enriching the lives of tribal members throughout the Navajo Nation and we are completing the 78 FET projects that were left in limbo when President Ben Shelly took office. We have brought that figure down to 29 at present time. There s much more news we have to share with our stakeholders about the NDOT activities from the past quarter. Read for yourself and see how we can help improve your communities. As always, we appreciate your continued support and cooperation as we work to provide safe transportation infrastructure through innovation and partnerships. Ahe hee. Paulson Chaco, Director Navajo DOT Emergency declaration On July 7, Eugenia Quintana, commissioner for the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management, agreed on the emergency declaration for the U.S. Route 491 road closure. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Continued from front page the old two-lane road segment of U.S. Route 491, south of Sheep Springs. Navajo DOT and Senator John Pinto (D-Dist. 3) have been lobbying federal and state officials for the completion of the four-lane construction of U.S. Route 491, citing several safety considerations, including dilapidated infrastructure. Four-lane construction remains to be completed from Sheep Springs, south to Twin Lakes, a distance of 26.1 miles and a cost of $102.9 million. On the evening of July 6, the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management convened at the Navajo Transportation Complex in Tse Bonito regarding the road closure. The closure of U.S. Route 491 in the Eastern Navajo Agency occurred more than four months after a dry slide closed U.S. 89 in the Western Navajo Agency. The importance of restoring traffic through this main artery of the Four Corners was not lost on the commission, which drafted an emergency declaration. CEM was passed by a vote of 3-0. Commissioner Benjamin Bennett made the motion to approve the declaration and was seconded by Commissioner Eugenia Quintana. Chairman Herman Shorty signed the declaration and sent it to Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly for signature. The declaration states, The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management hereby declares a State of Emergency for the Navajo Nation along U.S. Highway 491 due to a culvert washout from torrential thunderstorms posing a substantial public safety risk to travelers traversing the route and thereby severing, interfering and disrupting public transportation, emergency transport, normal and commercial traffic to the traveling public. The declaration begins the process for appropriate Navajo Nation entities to immediately begin coordination with all relevant agencies for the use of resources to meet the accessibility needs of the traveling public. This includes activation of available emergency resources such as funding to cover personnel, equipment, and other means as determined fit and feasible to restore and sustain vital community infrastructure. 2 Atiin Ba Hane JULY

3 arizona dept of transportation Arizona State Transportation Board Exercises policy powers and advises ADOT director on transportation Paulson Chaco, Navajo Division of Transportation Director, reported before the Arizona State Transportation Board on May 10, 2013 in Flagstaff, Ariz. Chaco gave an update on Navajo Route 20 paving. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Top left, ADOT Director John Halikowski takes notes at the ASTB meeting. Top right, ASTB Chairman Victor Flores speaks to presenters. (Photos by Rick Abasta) A resident from Kaibeto speaks to the Arizona State Transportation Board about increased traffic on U.S. Route 98 since the closure of U.S. 89 in Feb He said speeding motorists are a safety concern for community members, which have seen an increase in fatalities since U.S. 89 was closed. (Photo by Rick Abasta) JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 3

4 right-of-way RDC approves expedited easement for ADOT The 22nd Navajo Nation Council Resources and Development Committee convened at Alamo Chapter on April 30, 2013, and approved the temporary construction easement for the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin construction activities on Navajo Route 20. ADOT will pave 27 miles of roadway and take N20 into their road inventory for a period of three years and re-designate the road as U.S. 89T and use as an interim detour route for U.S. 89, which was damaged in Feb (Photo by Rick Abasta) ALAMO, N.M.-The Resources and Development Committee unanimously approved the temporary construction easement for the Arizona Department of Transportation on April 30, By a vote of 3-0, Legislation No was approved, granting ADOT an easement to construct, operate and maintain road improvements on Navajo Route 20, located on Navajo Nation trust lands in the vicinity of Bodaway-Gap, Coppermine and LeChee Chapters. ADOT will pave the existing alignment of N20 as an interim detour route until repairs are completed to the damaged roadway of U.S. 89. The roadway will now be designated as U.S. 89T for a three-year period. The committee also waived the surface compensation amount because the roadway will benefit Navajo communities. A portion of U.S. 89 was destroyed during dry slide that occurred near the Bitter Springs-Echo Cliffs area on Feb. 20. ADOT detoured traffic through an alternative route, taking travelers east on U.S. 160, then north on State Road 98 into Page. However, the detour added 45 more miles and extra drive time. Paving U.S. 89T would substantially reduce travel time for motorists heading to and from Page. ADOT has selected FNF Construction, Incorporated as the contractor and the two parties are currently in negotiations for the construction costs associated with paving the roadway. FNF Construction received the 2011Arizona Transportation Partnering Excellence Award for the U.S. 93 Hoover Dam project. Efforts to pave the roadway have been spearheaded by ADOT, along with the Navajo Division of Transportation, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Federal Highway Administration. Typically, the process for a construction easement can take months, sometimes even years to complete. For the paving of U.S. 89T, the process was completed within a month s time, with the cooperation of all agencies involved to address the emergency. The collaboration between all agencies was acknowledged by legislation sponsor Duane Tsinigine (Bodaway-Gap, Coppermine, Kaibeto, LeChee, Red Lake-Tonalea). This will lessen the frustration and stress of the people out there, Tsinigine said. SEE Alamo on page 16 4 Atiin Ba Hane JULY

5 fuel excise tax projects Fuel Exise Tax Parking lots completed for Standing Rock, Twin Lakes Chapters Standing Rock Chapter s new parking lot was completed in June The parking lot was funded by Fuel Excise Tax dollars and is one of the latest FET projects to be completed by Navajo DOT. (Photo by Darryl Bradley) WINDOW ROCK-When you fill up with fuel on the Navajo Nation, you are contributing to road improvements and selfdetermination. For every gallon of fuel pumped at gas stations across the Navajo Nation, 18 cents is collected for the Navajo Nation Road Fund. Since 1999, the Fuel Excise Tax has been collected by the Office of Navajo Tax Commission and is making a positive impact on Navajo community road projects. For gasoline, the FET is 18 cents and for diesel, it is 25 cents. Funding from the road fund is used for improvement projects such as parking lots, school bus routes, drainage crossings, access roads, road maintenance, grading, graveling, archaeological surveys, testing, mitigation, drainage studies, construction services, protection of threatened and endangered species, airport maintenance, designs, plans, specifications, bidding, and contract services. Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said roads are an issue that Navajo people passionately care about. I am thankful that we have completed more than half of the projects that were stuck in government bureaucratic processes, Shelly said. We have pushed these projects through and have many more to complete. The Fuel Excise Tax is making a difference because we have funding to pay for some of these projects, he added. Paulson Chaco, director of Navajo Division of Transportation, said FET projects dating several years back are finally finding their way to completion. Navajo DOT had a backlog of 78 Fuel Excise Tax projects in limbo when I stepped in for the division. We have cut that figure in half and completed many projects since President Shelly took office, Chaco said. There are 32 FET projects across the reservation that NDOT is working to bring to completion. Chaco said no new FET proposals will be collected until NDOT completes the remaining 32 projects. We are working hard to ensure these projects are completed, rather than taking on new FET projects while work is still left undone, he said. According to statistics from the Navajo Tax Commission, a total of $146,644,840 in FET funds has been collected since 2002, for an average of $13,331,349 per year. From the annual FET revenue, $4 million is distributed to the State of Arizona; $2 million is deposited into the Permanent Trust Fund; $3 million goes into the FET coffers; and $3 million is used for road maintenance activities. As directed by the Office of President and Vice President and Resources and Development Committee, NDOT imposed a moratorium on new FET projects since 2010, to ensure all previously funded projects were first brought to completion. During the moratorium period, a $13 million surplus was realigned by NDOT. On March 28, 2013, NDOT reported to the Naa bik iyati Committee and was directed to divide the $13 million surplus between all five agencies of the Navajo Nation. NDOT will complete 13 projects in 2013, said Darryl Bradley, principal civil engineer for NDOT. He explained that fuel manifests are issued by the tax commission to distributors delivering fuel on the Navajo Nation. In turn, tax returns are filed by the distributors and the fuel tax is paid on a monthly basis to the Navajo Nation. These funds are used by NDOT for transportation projects within the Navajo Nation for development, planning, road maintenance and construction of public roads, Bradley said. Zane James and Priscilla Lee are program and projects specialists for NDOT, working directly with FET funding for projects. James is overseeing 16 projects, three of which are completed parking lots for the communities of Twin Lakes and Standing Rock. Lee also has 16 projects on the table, with the two-mile C27 Dakota Loop project slated for completion on June 28, Both agree the funds are integral to improving Navajo Nation roads and their focus is to complete the remaining FET projects before soliciting for new project proposals. Approximately 14,733 miles of public roads cover the Navajo Nation. From that figure, 76 percent, or 11,353 miles of road, are unpaved and provide the only means of access for schools, employment, medical care, and commerce. NDOT s mission is to provide a safe transportation infrastructure through innovation and partnerships. Information: JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 5

6 REGIONAL transportation planning Delegate Shepherd leads regional transportation plan Navajo Nation Council Delegate Alton Joe Shepherd s district has been very proactive in their regional transportation planning efforts. The group is pushing for the purchase of heavy equipment and utilization of Navajo Division of Transportation heavy equipment to improve prioritized roads in their communities. The chapters met with NDOT and Apache County to discuss their plans to improve their community roads. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Delegate Shepherd said his chapter are ready for implementation of their regional plans (Photo by Rick Abasta) Chapter officials from the communities of Cornfields, Ganado, Jeddito, Kinlichee, and Steamboat listened to presentations on NDOT s regional transporation planning efforts at the Navajo Transportation Complex in Tse Bonito, N.M. in April The group is pushing for heavy equipment in each of their respective chapters. (Photo by Rick Abasta) 6 Atiin Ba Hane JULY

7 mckinley county Manuelito Canyon bridge closed for safety reasons MANUELITO CANYON, N.M.-The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management declared an emergency for the closure of the South Manuelito Bridge No The commission convened at the Navajo Transportation Complex on April 24 to discuss the bridge closure, which severed major arterial traffic to and from the Manuelito Chapter area. Commissioner Ben Bennett said the bridge closure was the result of safety considerations for travelers in the area. People traveling that stretch of bridge aren t safe, especially when there s rainy weather, Bennett said. The pier supporting the bridge could fail, causing further sagging, reducing load capacity, or even possible collapse. Erosion was a primary concern for the bridge, which was erected in the 1970s, according to McKinley County employees constructing an alternate access route. The Bailey bridge in Manuelito Canyon is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge that was utilized extensively by the military during World War II. The bridge is located 3.5 miles southeast of Navajo Route There are two bridges in the area and bridge number two is the structure facing erosion and structural issues. The McKinley County Roads Department has constructed an emergency bypass route through the wash. The earthen structure is susceptible to damage from rain, however, and efforts are underway to repair the damaged bridge. Paulson Chaco, director for Navajo Division of Transportation, said he will be traveling to Santa Fe to meet with Tom Church, cabinet secretary for New Mexico Department of Transportation and John Don Martinez, division administrator for the Federal Highway Administration New Mexico Division. This is a major roadway for Navajo families in the Manuelito Canyon area, Chaco said. I will be meeting with officials in Santa Fe to discuss funding options for the repair of the bridge. On April 17, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and McKinley County Roads Dept conducted a safety assessment of the bridge and determined it to be structurally unsafe. The assessment was conducted along with the Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management, Manuelito Chapter and McKinley County Office of Emergency Management. Approximately 45 families utilize the bridge, with an average of 4.5 people per home. The high traffic volume includes daily use by school buses, service providers and emergency responders. The Manuelito Chapter declared on emergency on the bridge closure April 18 and the bridge was officially closed on April 19. NMDOT is assessing the report from the state bridge engineer to calculate load rating and corrective action for the bridge. For now, the 45 households that utilize the bridge are will continue traveling on the emergency bypass for access. NNCEM unanimously passed the declaration by a vote of 5-0 and it was signed by Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly. South Manuelito Canyon Bridge no was closed in April 2013 due to dilapidated infrastructure. The McKinley County Roads Department constructed an interim detour route next to the bridge. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Top left, a bird s eye view of the bridge support beams shows erosion and cracking in the earth. The efforts to stabilize with rock failed.. Top right, the McKinley County Road Dept installs culverts for a detour route. (Photo by Rick Abasta) The Manuelito Canyon Bridge is closed to the public because of deteriorating infrastructure. Navajo DOT is seeking funding to assist the county in construction of a new bridge. (Photo by Rick Abasta) JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 7

8 road improvements Navajo Route 4 construction resumes in Pinon Navajo Division of Transportation Engineer-in-Training Lyle Begay has been overseeing the road improvement project on Navajo Route 4, west of Pinon, Ariz. The project was closed in Oct. 2012, aftern NDOT staff encountered armed community members driving through the work site. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Cornelius Kenny, NDOT Heavy Equipment Operator, prepares base material for the N4 road improvement project. The project was funded by Fuel Excise Tax dollars and will be completed in July (Photo by Rick Abasta) NDOT roadcrew members prepare to begin laying geotech fabric to protect an archaeological site located below the road bed. The crew installed the fabric on a segment of N4 in early June (Photo by Rick Abasta) PINON-A little over seven months ago, construction was halted on Navajo Route 4, southwest of the remote Arizona community of Pinon, after Navajo Division of Transportation workers encountered armed community members driving through the worksite. Construction on N4 has resumed and NDOT crewmembers are back onsite, continuing work on the dirt road at the edge of town that sees much traffic on a daily basis, ranging from school buses, personallyowned vehicles, to commercial vehicles that use the road as a short cut to Hopi land. The safety of our staff was the greatest concern for our division, said Paulson Chaco, director of NDOT. We are back out on the roadway and construction will be completed this month. He said the N4 construction was only one of many projects under construction across the Navajo Nation this summer. Chaco said, N4 is one of several road projects that have been pending since 2005 that this administration is bringing to completion. NDOT continues to move forward improving the Navajo Nation s transportation system. Cost for the Fuel Excise Tax road project is over $600,000. The cost includes over $400,000 in materials and $200,000 in equipment and manpower from NDOT. The completion date for the road improvement project is June 30, The location of the project site is from the intersection of N4 and Navajo Route 8031, stretching west for three-miles. Recently, geotech fabric was utilized to cover a section of N4 to protect an archaeological site that is located on the roadbed. NDOT engineer-in-training Lyle Begay is leading the project. After this arch site is covered and protected, we will proceed with the tilling and compaction of the soil earth bed, Begay said. That is when the gravel and the stabilizing materials will be coming in. Hubert Dayzie from Recon Oil joined the NDOT crew to take soil samples within the project site. The samples were taken to a geotechnical firm to perform soil testing and analysis to determine the best mixture for the Road Bond stabilizer. Recon Oil is the contractor providing aggregate base material for the construction. For this N4 project, we are planning to gravel and stabilize three-miles of roadway, Begay said. Project manager Priscilla Lee said the N4 FET project was budgeted in FY We started in the fall of 2012 originally but we had to shut down for safety reasons. Now that we started up again, police are patrolling the area periodically, Lee said. She said the work crew was awaiting 600,000 gallons of water from the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources. NDOT purchased 6,442 tons of base-course for the project. Navajo County matched $52,146 to purchase 1,399 tons of base-course for the project. Base course is the sub-layer of the roadway placed on the top soil to provide a foundation for the road. Lee listed two graders, three rollers, one scraper, one loader, three water trucks, and one dozer for the project, including SEE N4 on page 18 8 Atiin Ba Hane JULY

9 U.S. 89T Navajo Route 20 groundbreaking ceremony Top left, Tsinaabaas Ha bitiin Elementary School hosted the N20 groundbreaking ceremony. Top right, the crowd prepares for lunch. (Photos by Rick Abasta) Top left, ADOT State Engineer Jennifer Toth speaks of the collaboration between tribal, state and federal entities that made the paving of N20 a reality. NDOT Director Paulson Chaco gives thanks to the community. (Photos by Rick Abasta) Top, Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly. said the Navajo people from the chapters of Bodaway-Gap, Coppermine and LeChee have supported the paving of Navajo Route 20, which has need improvement for over 40 years. Shelly lauded the cooperation betwen all agencies involved from the tribal, state and federal levels. The groundbreaking festivities included the Navajo Nation, ADOT, NDOT, BIA, FHWA, Coconino County and chapter officials. (Photos by Rick Abasta) Officials from the Navajo Nation, ADOT, NDOT, FHWA, BIA, Coconino County and chapters prepare to break ground for the paving of Navajo Route 20, which will serve as an interim detour route for U.S. 89, which was damaged after a dry slide occurred in Feb Upon completion, N20 will be taken into the ADOT road inventory and redesignated as U.S. 89T for a period of three years. (Photo by Rick Abasta) JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 9

10 INTERIM DETOUR ROUTE 10 Atiin Ba Hane FEBRUARY

11 road improvements Difficult and dangerous to drive into NDOT enhances Navajo Nation Zoo parking lot and access road WINDOW ROCK-To say David Mikesic loves animals is an understatement. Mikesic is the zoologist for the Navajo Nation Zoo. Educated as a biologist and zoologist, he spent most of his free time working with animals before moving to the Navajo Nation. His passion for helping animals in need brought him to Window Rock in Oct. 1994, to work for the Navajo Fish and Wildlife Department as a zoologist. Mikesic was eventually promoted to zoologist for the Navajo Nation Zoo in Since then, he has been squarely focused on improving the living conditions of animals at the zoo and enhancing the zoo experience for visitors. Recently, one such improvement elevated the Navajo Nation Zoo experience exponentially. The Navajo Division of Transportation graveled the zoo parking lot and roadway in early 2013 and made the facilities accessible for employees and visitors alike. NDOT director Paulson Chaco was awarded a plaque in appreciation for donation of goods and services in completing major renovations to the Navajo Nation Zoo parking lot and entry road. Mikesic presented the award to Chaco in June 2013 at the Navajo Transportation Complex in Tse Bonito, N.M. The graveling effort for the Navajo Nation Zoo was another improvement project completed by the Navajo Division of Transportation, Chaco said. We continue to move forward with the mission of NDOT, which is to improve transportation infrastructure on the Navajo Nation. Project costs for the Navajo Nation Zoo were in excess of $15,000 when manpower, equipment, and materials are factored in together. Over $10,000 in general funds covered the cost of gravel. Mikesic said the zoo was greatly improved for employee access and parking. Previously, employees and visitors had to slog through mud during adverse weather. Compounding the challenges for the zoo was mud and dirt tracked inside the facilities as well. It has reduced our need to clean mud from the office space as often. When it rained or snowed, the parking lot was difficult and dangerous to drive into, Mikesic said. The zoo officially opened for business on July 4, Today, it features over 100 animals from 50 different species. Most of the animals are native to the Navajo Nation and were taken in as injured or orphaned animals. Six permanent staff members operate the Navajo Nation Zoo, in addition to dedicated volunteers from the Office of Youth Development, Workforce Development and Program for Self Reliance. Over 40,000 people visit the zoo annually, which is nestled into the sandstone rocks by the Arizona-New Mexico state line. Educational tours are provided to over 3,000 school kids each year. Popular exhibits at the zoo include the Golden Eagles, the Black Bear, Raccoons, and Cougars. Mikesic has a vision of modernity for the future. Within 10 years, I want to see the zoo as a more modern zoo with renovated animal enclosures and more education Navajo Division of Transporatation Director Paulson Chaco was presented with a plaque of appreciation from Navajo Nation Zoologist David Mikesic for donation of materials and labor for the graveling of the Navajo Nation Zoo parking lot and access road. Mikesic said the muddy conditions during adverse weather was a major safety concern. (Photo by Rick Abasta) and recreational opportunities for the Navajo people and visitors from around the world, he said. Plans include an eagle aviary, nocturnal mammal house, duck pond and other additions. The Navajo Nation Zoo welcomes donations from the public. People can sponsor an animal through the zoo s Adopt-an-Animal program. Organizations can also contribute by sponsoring renovation or construction projects via funding or labor. Donations are also accepted. On July 6, the zoo will celebrate their 36 th Anniversary with a party, free birthday cake and 25 cent hotdogs. The public is welcome to attend. The Navajo Nation Zoo continues to provide a sanctuary for nature and the human and animal spirit. We provide people with an opportunity to make a connection and learn about the plants and animals of the local Navajo lands, Mikesic said. We provide a quiet place in Window Rock to just calm the spirit among our wildlife. New additions to the family of injured and orphaned animals at the zoo are Abbey the Black Bear and Mule Deers Jasmine and Bella. They were adopted into the family in November 2012 and found a permanent home in Window Rock. The Navajo Nation Zoo is the only full-scale zoo owned and operated by a Native American tribe. The zoo is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open on most major holidays. Before After JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 11

12 tiger grant Torreon Road rehabilitation TIGER grant funding to improve 11 miles of road in Eastern Agency TORREON, N.M.-The community members of the rural northwestern New Mexico town of Torreon have finally earned their stripes. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program, or TIGER, has funded $5 million to Sandoval County N.M. for the Torreon Road Rehabilitation project for FY The total cost of the project is $5,740,000 and is a collaborative effort between the N.M. Department of Transportation, Navajo Division of Transportation, and the Mid Region Council of Governments. After years of driving a bone-jarring dirt road, the community will finally see 11.9 miles of rural road transformed into a paved connector with shoulders, allowing for 55 to 65 mph speeds. Torreon Road was the only project selected for TIGER grant in New Mexico. Four chapters of the Navajo Nation and Sandoval County are served by the road, which links Counselor, Ojo Encino and Torreon with U.S The groundbreaking ceremony for the road construction took place on April 5 in Torreon, at the intersection of San Luis and Torreon Roads. Franklin s Earthmoving has been selected to do the construction. Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said the new road is the product of partnership. Sandoval County, NDOT, and Navajo Nation have done (partnership) and succeeded. It works, government-togovernment, Shelly said. As we know, roads are bad around here. He said the importance of paving the road hinged on the need to get school kids safely to school and provide access for emergency services. Shelly added, We have to keep those roads where they re good enough to travel on to be safe. J. Don Martinez, division administrator for the Federal Highways Administration s N.M. Division, agreed with the president. Transportation is important to your children. They have a right to be picked up by a bus to take them to school, Martinez said. He revealed that he was raised in a rural part of the state and was familiar with the importance of transportation services. In the rural parts of New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, the roads are not in the best condition, Martinez explained. You re not asking for much. You re just asking for the roads to be in better condition, so you can have access to those things everyone else has, he said. Torreon Chapter President David Rico shared a history of the road. We used to see a lot of covered wagons on this road for the Zia Feast. The day before the feast, the people would camp on the other side of San Luis. That is how this road was born in the beginning, Rico said. Today, you see headlights in the early morning and in the evening hours as people returned home, he added. Navajo Nation Council delegate Leonard Tsosie (Baca-Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Puebo Pintado, Top, Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly praised the efforts to improve Torreon Road with TIGER grant funds. Below, breaking ground. (Photos by Sidney Hill) Torreon, Whitehorse Lake) said he used to receive letters from Torreon School. The kids were writing letters on this road because they ride on the bus and it s too bumpy and takes a long time to get home, Tsosie said. Donning hardhats and grabbing shovels, the dignitaries broke ground with their shovels and officially began the construction process for the new road. The road reduces travel distance by 45 miles and will save time and money for motorists. In addition to residents, the road is also used by mining companies in the area. Families are excited for accessibility to school buses and first responders. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, The TIGER program enables DOT to use a rigorous process to select projects with exceptional benefits, explore ways to deliver projects faster and save on construction costs, and make investments in our Nation s infrastructure that will make communities more livable and sustainable. Information: 12 Atiin Ba Hane JULY

13 U.S. Route 491 U.S. Route 491 road damage from heavy rainfall July 5 On July 5, heavy rainfall caused a portion of U.S. Route 491 to collapse between Naschitti and Sheep Springs. The New Mexico road is a main thoroughfare for travel through the Four Corners region. Three channels of water formed after traveling down the Chuska Mountains and compromised the western portion of a 14-feet-by-24-feet culvert beneath the roadway. A temporary detour route is now in place as New Mexico Department of Transportation works to repair the road. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Top left, a closeup of the damaged culvert illustrates the force of the water. Bottom left, NMDOT crews install culverts for a temporary detour route on the eastern side of the collapsed roadway to restore essential traffic. Top right, NNCEM Chairman Herman Shorty signs a declaration of emergency. (Photos by Rick Abasta) NMDOT road crewmembers packed a portion of the damaged roadway for emergency vehicle access as they worked on a temporary detour route east of the damaged roadway. NMDOT is currently working on repairing the damaged portion of U.S. Route 491. (Photo by Rick Abasta) JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 13

14 navajo nation capitol Morgan Boulevard resurfaced near Capitol buildings The resurfacing project for a portion of Morgan Boulevard was a collaboration between Navajo Division of Transportation and the BIA Force Account. NDOT paid for asphalt and rental equipment. The BIA provided manpower for the job. (Photo by Rick Abasta) After the potholed-riddled roadway was torn apart by the Asphalt Zipper, the debris was scraped up and dumped into waiting dump trucks for disposal. The tribal leaders and employees working in this area had to navigate the potholes for over 20 years. (Photo by Rick Abasta) This sweeper cleans up debris for the pothole-riddled section of Morgan Boulevard in front of the Navajo Nation Department of Justice. NDOT Director Paulson Chaco was inundated with requests to fix the road. (Photo by Rick Abasta) WINDOW ROCK-To the delight of many tribal employees and officials alike, the resurfacing of Window Rock Boulevard is finally completed. The project to improve the roadway was a partnership between Navajo Division of Transportation and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The BIA Force Account provided $15,568 in manpower and NDOT paid for asphalt and rental equipment at a cost of $3,171. NDOT Director Paulson Chaco said the requests to improve the potholed roadway have been numerous. People have been calling for repairs on this road and we are happy to finally get it completed, Chaco said. It was another opportunity to partner with the BIA to improve Navajo Nation roads. Joe Peterman, construction manager for BIA Force Account, said the roadway was over 20 years old and presented numerous challenges. We came, we saw, and we kicked butt, Peterman said. The Force Account crew of nine milled two-inches of the existing asphalt and replaced it with two-inches of fresh asphalt. The mill-and-inlay project repaired a total of 375-feet of roadway in front of the Navajo Nation Department of Justice building. Peterman said the project took four days to complete and it was a great partnership between NDOT and the BIA. Construction occurred from May 13 to 16. NDOT provided the asphalt and rented equipment for me, he said. We enjoyed the work and it was great to be out there and serve the public in that manner. Window Rock Boulevard is listed in the BIA roads inventory as Navajo Route 100. The BIA Force Account plays the role of a government contractor and steps in to complete projects when hiring a private contractor is not feasible. NDOT grant writer David Silversmith lauded the work completed by Navajo crew from the BIA Force Account. It is a good example of NDOT-BIA cooperation. Force Account supervisor Joe Peterman and his foreman Danny deserve a lot of credit, Silversmith said. For years, the potholed area forced tribal leaders and employees to strategize a route to navigate the roadway as they traveled to their respective offices. Today s smooth surface is an obvious contrast to the old roadway. There were real issues of public safety and vehicle damage, Silversmith said. Tertiary considerations included aesthetic concerns, since the road was located in the heart of the Navajo Nation Capitol area. Requests to repair the road came into NDOT for over a year, especially as many cars got stuck in the winter season. Because of the unique need for repairs on Window Rock Boulevard, NDOT and BIA partnered to address the issue in an expedited effort. Road maintenance must be planned, he said. People should depend more on comprehensive planning and project construction readiness to justify projects and achieve results, Silversmith said of the high demand for road repairs across the Nation. He encouraged chapters to be proactive with their road construction projects. 14 Atiin Ba Hane JULY

15 nm tribal leaders summit NDOT report to the NM Tribal Leader Summit Transportation History Since time immemorial, the Navajo people have lived and flourished between the Sacred Mountains of the Navajo Nation. According to the Decennial Census of 2010, the total Navajo Nation population was 332,000. Of that population figure, 287,602 tribal members reside on the reservation, with 44,398 living off the reservation in urban centers across the southwest. For tribal members residing on the Navajo Nation, transportation has played a key role in their lives. The vision of the Navajo Division of Transportation is to preserve and enhance transportation throughout the Navajo Nation It is our mission to serve the Navajo Nation by providing a safe transportation infrastructure through innovation and partnerships. Navajo DOT recently entered into a direct funding agreement with the Federal Highway Administration and we are stepping up to meet our tribal transportation needs through self-determination and partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Approximately 14,733 miles of public road cover the Navajo Nation. From that figure, 76 percent, or 11,352 miles of road are unpaved, and provide the only means of access for schools, employment, medical care, and commerce. These roads become inaccessible for tribal members during adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, and floods. Many times, elder Navajos become stranded for days and are unable to access paved roads for basic necessities and services. We are working to address these disparities. In addition to the traditional transportation services provided by roads, the Navajo Nation is fortunate to have seven airports across the reservation, two of which are located in the New Mexico communities of Crownpoint and Shiprock. These airports are integral for their use in medical services, emergency preparedness, charted services, and utilization for commercial, industrial and economic purposes. Issues 23 percent of the public roads on the Navajo Nation are paved, equating to 3,381 miles of road. From that figure, 1,642 miles, or 48 percent of paved roadway, belong to the states. One such major paved highway on the Navajo Nation is U.S. Route 491, which stretches 193 miles north, connecting Gallup, New Mexico with Colorado, and ending in Monticello, Utah. A total of 69 miles of this major artery travels through the Navajo Nation, passing communities like Twin Lakes, Sheep Springs, Newcomb, and Shiprock. It is utilized by everyday motorists to school buses transporting kids to school to commercial truckers delivering goods and services in northwestern New Mexico and beyond. The 25 percent heavy commercial truck traffic indicates the road is a major regional and national corridor from the Four Corners area to Interstate 40. U.S. Route 491 was constructed in 1923 and was formerly named U.S. 666, as it was the sixth branch of U.S. 66. The Devil s Highway, as it became known, was the site of numerous fatalities and accidents in New Mexico. New Mexico recognized it as the most dangerous road in the state. After numerous complaints and much lobbying from the Navajo Nation and others, U.S. 666 was renamed U.S. Route 491 in Despite the name change, U.S. Route 491 remained a hazardous roadway and the public demanded the two-lane highway be upgraded to a four-lane highway because of the numerous safety issues. In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by the 111th U.S. Congress and President Barack Obama. ARRA, as it is known, provided $831 billion in stimulus aid to assist the nation with infrastructure, education, health, and energy. This investment in America provided the foundation for the Navajo Nation and New Mexico to begin improving U.S. Route 491 with four-lane highway construction. A total of 42.9 miles of U.S. Route 491 has been improved to a four-lane highway, at a cost of $127,214,000. This segment of road is from Shiprock, New Mexico south to Sheep Springs, New Mexico. The funding for the roadway included appropriations from ARRA, Navajo Nation Indian Reservation Roads Fund, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and New Mexico GRIP. The total cost of funding to date is $141,545,265. Impacts Navajo Division of Transportation statistics indicate a significant decrease in traffic accidents, vehicle collisions, personal injuries, and fatalities on the U.S. Route 491 segment that was improved to a four-lane highway. Because of this obvious improvement to the quality of life for all New Mexicans and visitors traveling on U.S. Route 491, the Navajo Nation supports the request for funding to complete the fourlane highway through Twin Lakes, New Mexico. An equally important issue for the Navajo DOT is funding of the airports in the communities of Crownpoint and Shiprock. These airports are also critical infrastructure deserving of funding because they provide these rural New Mexico communities with emergency preparedness response, medical services access, and activities for commercial, industrial, and economic purposes. These airports also provide personal flights and chartered travel services. The Federal Aviation Administration has included the Crownpoint and Shiprock Airports on the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Because of the services provided, they are considered nationally significant to the national aviation system. Recommendations A total cost of $102,900,000 remains to complete the final 26.1 miles of construction on U.S. Route 491, from Sheep Springs, New Mexico south to Twin Lakes, New Mexico. Completion of this project will not only increase transportation mobility for northwestern New Mexico but also improve the safety condition of this school bus route for Navajo children, hardworking New Mexicans traveling to work, and the many people seeking medical services and accessibility to commerce. The impact of funding this remaining stretch of U.S. Route 491 into a four-lane highway would be tremendous. It would not only positively impact the safety of traveling motorists on the roadway but also increase the economic opportunities of employment for this corridor, recognized as an economically SEE NM Summit on page 18 JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 15

16 arizona legislature AZ Aviation Funds Alamo Chapter hosts RDC meeting Continued from front page He noted that a white paper report from Mike Klein, aeronautics manager for ADOT, was instrumental in the approval process for the legislation. Klein s report explained that airport users are the funding source for the fund, through their purchase of aviation fuel and compliance with aircraft registration fees. Teller said the operations for each of the reservation airports have increased through the years. Air transportation for medical purposes comprises the primary bulk of the flight operations. Also on the rise are tribal government use and visitors traveling to the Navajo Nation as a destination spot. Last month, visitors from Israel rented an aircraft in Sedona and flew to Chinle to visit Canyon de Chelly, Teller said. Available to eligible public airports for more than 15 years, the Arizona Aviation Fund is distributed by the State Transportation Board. There are currently 196 active and pending grants, amounting to $37 million in obligations. The fund stands at $24 million presently. Only 10 percent of the fund can be used as the maximum grant award for any individual airport on an annual basis. The grants from the Avia- Arlando Teller said the legislation gives tribally-owned airports a seat at the table to compete for Arizona Aviation Fund dollars for infrastructure improvements. (Photo by Rick Abasta) tion Fund can be utilized to improve airport infrastructure that directly relate to safety, such as runway and taxiway pavement rehabilitation. Teller prioritized the top three needs of Navajo-owned airports in Arizona in the following order: Chinle, Window Rock and Tuba City. He said all of the airports require a total rehabilitation of the runways, taxiways, aprons and ramps. They also require electrical upgrades for lighting, perimeter fencing and drainage improvements. Teller noted that all of the Navajo Nation runways are at a dimension of 7,500-feet long by 75-feet wide. The Navajo Nation owns three aircraft, which are maintained by the Air Transport Department under the Division of General Services. The signing of SB 1317 by Gov. Brewer was a collaborative effort. Partnership is the key. Working with our state and tribal leaders is the key in communicating, Teller said. A decade from now, I envision well-maintained and equipped airports that encourage economic opportunities and selfsustainment that enhance safe and secure airport operations. The Navajo Nation owns a total of seven airports located in Arizona and New Mexico. Continued from page 4 Darryl Bradley, principal civil engineer for NDOT, said the collaboration served the needs of local chapters in terms of school bus routes, people traveling to work, medical services, and social programs. Bradley said, There s just been a lot of effort and partnership on getting this done in such a short timeframe. Leonard Tsosie (Baca-Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake) was appreciative of the work that was done. I really appreciate the way all of you worked together to crank it out. From my office to yours, I really want to thank you, Tsosie said. But especially for Coppermine Chapter. They ve been coming to this committee with tears in their eyes asking us to please fix the road. Negotiations and compromise that led to the inclusion of fencing into the project added permanency to the road structure that will be built, he explained. I really appreciate the way all of you worked together to crank it out, he said. Before voting on the legislation, the committee shared concerns on the archaeological components to the project, which was addressed by the Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Department. In addition to Navajo Nation archaeologists monitoring the construction, ADOT and its contractor will also have an archaeological team on standby to address any issues that may arise. Because N20 was surveyed at least twice already, NDOT and BIA staff have already identified the location of all archaeological sites, traditional cultural property and a gravesite found near the roadway. Because the temporary detour construction is the result of an emergency, the regulations of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation have streamlined the easement process with regard to the normal requirements of a cultural resource compliance form. RDC Chairwoman Katherine Benally congratulated the efforts of the team. I want to take this time to thank ADOT for adding more money. Thank you, Benally said. Information 16 Atiin Ba Hane JULY

17 honoring veterans Navajo Hopi Honor Run travels through Navajo Nation The Navajo Hopi Honor traveled across the Navajo Nation for a period of three days, beginning in Window Rock, Ariz and ending in Breadsprings, N.M. The bike ride was created to honor Navajo and Hopi veterans. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Left, patches and leather. Right, bikers near Grand Falls, Ariz. have their sights on Flagstaff for day one. (Photos by Gabriel Betsoi) Left, Carry the Flame members give Ellamae K. Betsoi a chance to hold the flame. Right, riders cruise into Seba Delkai. (Photos by Gabriel Betsoi) This line of motorcyles features American flags, Harley Davidsons and chrome galore. The Navajo Hopi Honor Run is an annual salvation for Gold Star Mothers across the Navajo Nation. (Photo by Gabriel Betsoi) St. Michaels, Ariz. resident Michael Green has been a participant in the Navajo Hopi Honor Run since its inception. He joined the band of riders again for the 11th Annual Navajo Hopi Honor Run in (Photo by Rick Abasta) JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 17

18 navajo county partnership Red Dog graveling project improves Black Mesa Region By Eric Descheenie and Erny Zah On June 27, partners of the Red Dog graveling project met on progress in the Black Mesa Region. Chapter leadership and tribal officials met during an update at the Navajo Division of Transportation Pinon Road Yard. The partnership is aimed at improving the quality of life for the Black Mesa Region by crushing, hauling, and placing Red Dog gravel from Peabody Western Coal Company on 125 miles of road in need of repair, over a five-year period. Black Mesa Region consists of Kayenta, Pinon, Forest Lake, Black Mesa, Shonto, Low Mountain, Chilchinbeto, Whippoorwill, Hardrock, and Blue Gap-Tachee. The partnership includes NDOT, Navajo County, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Peabody Western Coal Company, school districts in Pinon and Kayenta, and Navajo chapters. Phase I of the first year is complete and Phase II is underway. Phase I included the delivery of 4,500 tons of Red Dog gravel to each chapter to improve road segments totaling 25 miles in need of repair, as identified by chapters. Phase II includes the distribution of 40,000 tons of Red Dog gravel to the 10 chapters and placement at locations chapters have prioritized. To date, the communities of Low Mountain and Whippoorwill have received their allotments. Phase II is expected to be completed this fall. Navajo County Chairman Jonathan Nez acknowledged the outstanding cooperation and hard work of the partners. If there is ever a model of true partnership involving virtually all levels of government and the private sector, this is it, Nez said. The federal government through the BIA, Navajo Nation, Na- N4 road construction Continued from page 8 10 crewmembers. Begay noted the logistics of getting materials, equipment and workforce in place is only a part of the overall process. He said NDOT is out in the field setting the gears in motion for infrastructure projects across the Navajo Nation, although many communities are often impatient with the lengthy timeframe for construction to begin. I would like people to understand the process that goes into working with Navajo Nation roads, Begay said. It requires compliance from several different fields of work that deal with the land. One of the major ones that we re mitigating today is archaeology, he said. Other compliance factors he cited were environmental and water, which requires documentation and regulation of soils and materials falling into America s waterways, or encumbering on biologicallysensitive areas. Using those two fields of work as an example, preconstruction can take up to a year before compliance is made and we can go out and actually mobilize equipment and labor, he said. We are out here. If not out here on the road, we re behind the scenes trying to get the roads improved, Begay said. Information: vajo County, State of Arizona, Navajo chapters, and Peabody Western Coal Company are all contributing to this common effort in tremendous ways. Chapters, NDOT, and Navajo County have footed much of the bill for the 40,000 of gravel crushing. The Navajo Nation has provided $250,000 for material hauling and placing expenses, while BIA Force Account, is contracted to haul material with cost effective material placement. Navajo County has provided two road maintenance equipment operators and water trucks. NDOT, Navajo County, and Peabody are providing fuel. The school districts are allowing construction crews to lodge in their housing units. I applaud all of us, Nez said. BIA construction manager Joe Peterman said, These guys deserve a lot of kudos. They work hard from sun up to sun down. We re coming to your chapters. Be ready! Peterman thanked the Kayenta Unified School District for providing housing and Navajo County for the purchasing tires for the trucks. To date, the construction crew has gone through 15 tires. President Shelly said, This group here is pioneering how partnerships work successfully and you all need to share this with other chapters and agencies to learn from. I have directed NDOT to setup trainings and work sessions to share how you made this work to provide safer roads in your communities. The group visited Navajo Route 4, west of the Pinon community and Navajo Route 67, in the Low Mountain community. The officials and staff observed the partnership construction crew conducting Red Dog graveling for the people. NM Tribal Leaders Summit report Continued from Page 15 disdvantaged area of New Mexico. We respectfully request the funding of this worthy endeavor for the Navajo Nation, State of New Mexico and all visitors traveling through this corridor of the state. We similarly request funding for the enhancement of our Navajo Nation airports in the New Mexico communities of Crownpoint and Shiprock. They provide accessibility for medical services, emergency preparedness, charted services, and entry for commercial, industrial, and economic purposes. The air transportation system is equally important for our Navajo Nation tribal members, as the numerous roads that intersect the reservation. We encourage the federal government to sustain its trust responsibility by maintaining these airports on the NPIAS. 18 Atiin Ba Hane JULY

19 navajo technical college Dr. Jill Biden provides commencement address in Crownpoint Above, Dr. Elmer Guy, president of CIT and Dr. Jill Biden listen to the commencement activities for the 2013 graduating class. Dr. Biden said CIT was a shining example of Native American education and achievement. Below, students proudly listen to the commencement address from Dr. Biden. (Photo by Rick Abasta) Dr. Jill Biden, the Second Lady of the United States, gave the commencement address at Crownpoint Institute of Technology on May 17, (Photo by Rick Abasta) JULY 2013 Atiin Ba Hane 19

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