WINDOW ROCK, AZ – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and John Curtis (R-UT) have introduced the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation amends the existing Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, securing the necessary resources and timeline to complete the delivery of drinking water to communities in northwestern New Mexico.
Championed in the House by U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), the bill aims to secure additional funding and to extend the timeframe for the water projects to be completed.
“We are deeply grateful to the New Mexico delegation for coming together to secure funding for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project,” said New Mexico Caucus Chairwoman Amber Kanazbah Crotty. “Senators Luján and Heinrich, along with Representatives Leger Fernández and Stansbury, have consistently supported this vital project for our Diné citizens, who have endured decades of water scarcity, contamination, and dangerous arsenic levels.”
The project will extend a 300-mile-long water pipeline, construct two water treatment plants, build 19 pumping stations, and develop multiple water storage tanks. This milestone ensures that an estimated 250,000 people within the Eastern and Northern Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the city of Gallup will finally receive clean, reliable drinking water. The completion of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project represents a major infrastructure development that symbolizes progress, resilience, and the power of dedicated leadership.
“The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is a beacon of hope for our people,” said Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley. “This is more than just a water project – it’s about securing the health, well-being, and future of our communities. Our past leaders had the foresight to fight for the New Mexico water rights years ago to ensure our people no longer have to struggle for access to one of the most basic human necessities.”
In addition to securing the additional funding, the legislation includes key amendments to increase funding authorization to match updated construction costs, extend the project timeline to 2029, establish long-term operation and maintenance trust funds, and expand the project’s service area to reach additional Diné communities without access to running water.
The amending legislation has received support from the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the State of New Mexico, and the city of Gallup.
“This infrastructure provides stability and ensures that water will reach those who need it most,” said Navajo Nation Council Delegate Andy Nez. “It gives me great hope, and I am committed to continuing our advocacy to ensure water remains accessible to all our people, particularly in communities impacted by coal mining. I extend my gratitude to all the partners who contributed to this effort. We are now seeing visible progress.”
