WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation No. 0018-24, which seeks the appropriation of nearly $6 million from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to help Navajo communities address and recover from the impacts of recent heavy snow and mud, on Jan. 24.

If the resolution is signed into law by the Navajo Nation President, it will appropriate $3.85 million for the 110 chapters and approximately $2.1 million to the Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management.

Council Delegate George Tolth (Baca/Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake) introduced the legislation as an emergency measure on Jan. 23, during the Winter Council Session. He explained that many communities and families are in great need of assistance especially in rural areas.

On Jan. 24, after careful consideration and debate the Council voted 16-0 in support of the legislation, along with a directive to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of the Controller, and the Division of Community Development to expedite the delivery of the funds within 10 days of the effective date of the resolution.

“I am very grateful to the 25th Navajo Nation Council members for working together to address the immediate needs of our community members and Delegate Tolth for sponsoring the bill. The legislation was carefully debated and focused on the needs of our elders and those who are impacted in some of the most remote areas. We appreciate the work and efforts put forth by the Department of Emergency Management, Community Health Representatives, chapters, and many others. We respectfully request the support of the resolution by President Buu Nygren,” Speaker Crystalyne Curley said.

In accordance with the resolution, each of the 110 chapters will receive $35,000 to help mitigate the impacts of winter weather conditions.

Once the resolution is certified by the Speaker of the Council and delivered to the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, the President will have 10 calendar days to consider the resolution.