Concern over northern Navajo County roads voiced in Washington

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

HOLBROOK — Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick discussed major concerns with elected officials and staff from Navajo County and the cities of Holbrook and Winslow during a meeting on Feb. 19.

“Since arriving in Washington, D.C., we immediately started working on the economy and the recovery package,” Kirkpatrick said. “My big concern is making sure we get our fair share of the money that’s allocated for Arizona.”

Kirkpatrick called the need for infrastructure “significant” and said it makes sense to put infrastructure in place first.

The Winslow levee, Obed bridge and road yards in Dilkon and Piñon are among the major financial needs facing the county, according to the Navajo County public information office.

Also discussed was the partnership between Navajo County and the Navajo Department of Transportation for the road yards.

“Navajo County takes those roads seriously up on the Navajo reservation,” Assistant County Manager Dusty Parsons said. “They’re in bad shape.”

Kirkpatrick agreed, saying she has driven on those roads.
“And I have letters from school kids and photos of buses sliding off mud roads, and I keep those photos in my D.C. office. I would like to do everything I can to help you with that,” she said.

Navajo County Supervisor Jonathan M. Nez said that the tribal roads in the northern portion of the county were a priority for him and that Kirkpatrick agreed with him.

“I believe we have a great advocate for rural Arizona and, not to mention, the Navajo Nation,” Nez said about Kirkpatrick after her visit.

Holbrook’s major concerns include the railroad crossing in the city and maintenance of school buses, Mayor Jeff Hill said.

“Our school district, as well as Winslow’s run our buses more than 1,800 miles a day,” he said. “With funds drying up and the state mandates on the quality of education, it’s far more expensive to provide this level of education in a rural setting than anywhere else.”

However, Kirkpatrick doubted there would be any recovery funds for education.

“The idea of the recovery package was to augment existing programs, not to supplant the state’s responsibilities,” she said.

Winslow staff and officials said the FEMA decertification of the Winslow levee is a major concern.

“This is a real concern for our citizens, especially those who are paying increased insurance rates for living in a flood zone,” City Manager Jim Ferguson said.