(April 12, 2023) — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Navajo Nation
Yesterday, United States President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. issued an order declaring that a major disaster exists in the Navajo Nation cause by severe winter storms and flooding from January 14 to January 17, 2023.
The order directs federal agencies to cooperate in providing aid to supplement the Nation’s efforts to provide disaster relief in the areas affected by the storms.
“In January, the 25th Navajo Nation Council took quick action to approve $3 million to provide emergency assistance for the 110 chapters due to heavy snow and mud during the winter season. Tuesday’s announcement from the White House is another significant step forward for the Navajo Nation’s effort to secure reimbursements of those funds and additional resources to support our communities. We are very grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, FEMA, the Navajo Nation Washington Office, and all of our Navajo Nation employees for their efforts to help our Navajo communities,” said Speaker Crystalyne Curley.
Federal funding is available to the Navajo Nation and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, hazard mitigation, and the repair or replacement of facilities that were damaged by the storms and flooding.
“We are grateful to the Biden Administration for issuing this disaster declaration. This winter was particularly hard on the Nation and the flooding blocked roads and isolated many families. We are hopeful that with the federal government’s help we will now be able to rebuild,” said Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office, Justin Ahasteen.
Mr. Benigno B. Ruiz of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
For further information, interested parties should contact the FEMA news desk at (202) 646-3272 or FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV