STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX
– The Arizona Native
American Caucus met this week to discuss tribal transportation programs in the
state. The Navajo Division of Transportation, formerly called the Navajo
Department of Transportation, presented on the challenges of building and
managing the 14,000 miles of road within the Navajo Nation.
Rep.
Sally Ann Gonzales, D-Tucson (District 3), discussed the unique process for
improving infrastructure in Native communities.
“It
takes a lot to plan and maintain roads on Native lands. It’s a long process with
little funding,” Gonzales said. “The Native communities are subsidizing the
rest of the state’s infrastructure with transaction privilege tax
money.”
The
Arizona Department of Transportation presented on the relationship between ADOT
and tribal governments, statewide transportation improvements and the planning
assistance for rural areas.
Rep.
Jennifer D. Benally, D-Tuba City (District 27), stressed why roads in rural
Arizona are so important.
“Roads
are the lifeline to any community,” Benally said. “Without maintained roads,
kids can’t go to school, employees can’t get to work and communities can become
stranded. Distributing TPT money back to the tribes will help to build and
maintain roads.”
Both
ADOT and the Navajo Division of Transportation discussed the importance of their
improving relationship.
Rep.
Albert Hale, D-St. Michaels (District 7), echoed the appreciation for the
partnership and called for additional collaboration.
“Transportation
is critical to the development in the Indian Nations. We have limited road
development and improvement,” Hale said. “We need additional cooperation and
assistance at state, federal and Indian Nation levels.”
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