WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) – Navajo Nation lawmakers have approved legislation to fund dozens of water and sanitation projects across the reservation.

The Navajo Nation Council voted Thursday to use $180 million over five years from the principle of a fund established with a $554 million settlement from the federal government. The settlement came in a lawsuit the tribe filed against the U.S. Interior Department alleging mismanagement of natural resources revenue.

Money from the tribe’s Sihasin Fund can be used only with an expenditure plan approved by at least 18 tribal lawmakers.

The bill now goes to President Russell Begaye.

Thousands of Navajos live without running water or access to good quality drinking water.

About $65 million of the funding would go to the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority in the form of a loan.