The Navajo President approved $100 million for water, electrical lines, and road projects on Monday. Currently, about 40 percent of the tribe still lacks running water and electricity.
The money comes from a $554 million deal with the federal government, a deal which ended a lawsuit that alleged the federal government mismanaged the tribes natural resources for 50 years.
When asked in public hearings what to do with the money, members of the tribe asked for water, electricity and roads. The council had already approved $180 million in water projects in 2015, and invested $150 million in economic development and more water projects in 2016.
"We did this for every grandma out there who has no running water and electricity, for every child that has to do their homework in the dark, and for anyone who has to struggle everyday just to meet their basic needs," said Council Delegate Seth Damon.
