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ARRA Activity:
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The U.S. Congress appropriated $3.2 billion for EECBG as part of American Recovery & Reinvestment Act 2009. Two percent (2%) of the total was granted to federally recognized tribe in the amount of 56 million dollars, and out of 56 million, Navajo Nation received $6,079,400.00. This appropriation was based on population and climatic factors, therefore, Navajo Nation received the largest amount. The deadline for proposal is June 25,2009. Terry Batiste, Energy Renewal Specialist, NTUA was selected as the lead coordinator by the Navajo Nation ARRA CORE Team. Our department submitted a proposal on May 20, 2009 for $1,121,285.10 for energy auditing assessment for all Navajo Nation buildings. From the completion of the audit study, we can be able to retrofit NN building keying on energy saving systems, and possibly for renewal energy sources implementation. We also included $100,000.00 for Energy Conservation Awareness education in which we will print brochure, radio ads, and newspaper ads instructing the public on ways, types, and methods to start saving energy.
Navajo Nation Telecommunication is part of the Navajo Nation Broadband work group that came together after February 17,2009 when President announced the broadband competitive grant through U. S. Department of Agricultural RUS program and the NTIA program under Department of Commerce. Other Navajo Nation departments are Navajo Nation Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, Department of Information Technology, Office of Broadcast Services, Division of Community Development, and Division of Health. The total amount is 7.2 billion dollars. The Navajo Nation Broadband work group is applying for $60-90 million dollars for broadband build out on Navajo Nation lands consisting of underground fiber, aerial fiber and microwave for a 4G network. Our department is involved in every aspect of the pre-grant preparation, and anticipation the full participant in the grant development as well as grant monitor and reporting in the post-grant segment.
The Department of Information Technology is seeking $90.3 million dollars to implement broadband across the 27,000 square miles Navajo Nation using a hybrid solution of wireless mesh, fiber and a major data center.
This will create a potential employment of over 1000 permanent jobs. This will also create many opportunities once the infrastructure is implemented.
This infrastructure will provide service to:
Navajo Nation Government
Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services
High School, College and Universities
Emergency Management
110 Chapter Houses
Navajo Nation citizens
Businesses
This will create a major technolcgy infrastructure that will provide high-end services for many years to come.
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