Navajo Nation Council set to begin summer session in Arizona

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) – Navajo Nation lawmakers are expected to consider legislation on mining as well as potential capital projects during their summer session in Window Rock, Arizona.

The council is slated to convene Monday and to hear proposals including legislation that would regulate surface coal mining, reclamation and coal exploration on tribal land beginning Tuesday, The Farmington Daily Times reported.

The Navajo Nation Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act is being proposed to help balance a desire to protect the environment with agricultural productivity.

Other proposals include a loan to build a travel center near the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort near Flagstaff, Arizona, a bill that would change the way district grazing committee members are paid and three bills to seek supplemental funding.

Another proposal would have the 24 tribal lawmakers, the president, vice president and directors of executive branch offices meet before regular Navajo Nation Council sessions.

Two other proposals concern funding for cultural services, including a request for more than $148,000 as a grant for the Phoenix Indian Center Inc. in Phoenix and a request for about $611,000 or the tribe’s Office of Dine Youth. The Phoenix Indian Center funds would provide Navajo language and cultural classes for Navajos living in Maricopa County. The Dine Youth funding would provide salaries for the temporary employment of high school and college students and to provide cultural liaison services.

Delegates are slated to hear Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye’s State of the Nation address on Monday and reports from Arizona state Sen. Carlyle Begay on Tuesday and from New Mexico U.S. Sen. Tom Udall on Wednesday.

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Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com