1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge your support for Senate Bill 1523, which is scheduled for consideration in the Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology Committee on Tuesday. This bill, sponsored by Senator Theresa Hatathlie, would appropriate $340,000 from the state general fund to the Navajo Nation for design, planning, and construction of the Ganado waterline pipeline project. This appropriation represents just 0.002% of Arizona's $17.6 billion annual budget, yet it would address a fundamental human need that families in the Ganado area have been requesting for years. Many residents on the Navajo reservation currently lack running water and basic infrastructure that most Arizonans take for granted. Access to clean, reliable water is not a luxury but a necessity for health, sanitation, and dignity. The bill includes an exemption from standard lapsing provisions under Arizona Revised Statutes section 35-190, which provides the Navajo Nation with necessary flexibility to complete the design and construction phases without arbitrary time constraints. Water infrastructure projects of this nature require careful planning and execution, and this provision ensures the funds can be used effectively. Arizona has a moral obligation to support water infrastructure development for all its communities, particularly those that have been historically underserved. The Ganado waterline project represents a modest state investment that will deliver substantial benefits to families who have waited far too long for this basic service. When constituents lack access to running water in 2026, the state must act. I respectfully request that you vote yes on SB1523 in committee and support its passage through the full Senate. This appropriation fulfills a longstanding need and demonstrates Arizona's commitment to ensuring all residents have access to essential water infrastructure.