President Obama’s $3.9 trillion budget could provide $2.4 billion to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. That’s an increase of about $33 million from the previous year.
The budget increase would go to education, social services, and Indian child welfare. It would also fund water projects in New Mexico.
“That funding includes $90 million,” Kevin Washburn, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, explained, “for the ongoing Navajo/Gallup water supply project which, when completed, will have the capacity to deliver clean running water to a potential future population of approximately 250,000 people.”
It’s estimated that about 40 percent of the Navajo nation lacks access to running water. Extra money to the BIA would also go to the Taos Pueblo Water Settlement and the Navajo Water Resources Development Trust Fund.
The President’s budget is expected to receive strong opposition if Congress considers it.