Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) won't support the current Navajo Nation water settlement because he says the cost is too high.

Domenici, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, wrote a letter detailing his concerns. He told Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. that Congress won't be able to fund the project, whose estimates range between $900 and $1.2 billion.

Navajo Council Delegate LoRenzo Bates, Domenici's suggestion that the tribe contribute a portion of the costs is "unrealistic." Bates said the tribe may drop its request for $372.8 million in federal funding for the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project.

Get the Story:
Domenici: Navajo settlement too expensive (The Farmington Daily Times 8/26)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

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