News Release Archive

Contract Awarded to Address Potential Impacts to Cultural Resources for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project

Media Contact: Lisa Iams, 801-524-3673, 07/09/2013 13:54
Lauren Jelinek, 970-385-6565, ljelinek@usbr.gov

For Release: July 09, 2013

SALT LAKE CITY – The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a $1.02 million contract to Logan Simpson Design, Inc. of Phoenix, Ariz., for program management services related to the implementation of the programmatic agreement to address potential impacts to cultural resources associated with the construction of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

"Ensuring coordination and communication with tribal stakeholders on cultural resource compliance activities is a significant part of our overall project responsibility," Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor said. "This contract provides for a neutral entity to facilitate tribal input and enhance the consultation process as we continue construction of this vital water project."

The programmatic agreement was developed among the various regulatory agencies and consulting tribes to ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws governing cultural resources prior to the construction of each section of the project. Logan Simpson Design, Inc. will fulfill the role of independent program manager specified in the programmatic agreement to monitor compliance, ensure all parties are kept apprised of Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project activities and facilitate feedback from tribal review of project-related materials prepared for submittal to regulatory agencies.

Federal and state law requires Reclamation to evaluate and mitigate the adverse effects the water supply construction may have on cultural resources in consultation with tribes that have ties to the places and resources located within the project area.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is the cornerstone of the New Mexico Navajo Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement authorized by Public Law 111-11. The project is designed to provide a long-term sustainable water supply to serve a future population in 2040 of 250,000 people in the eastern portion of the Navajo Reservation, the southwestern portion of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation and the city of Gallup. In 2011, the project was identified by President Obama as one of 14 infrastructure projects nationwide to be expedited through the permitting and review process. Construction of the project is underway and scheduled to be completed in 2024.

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