Bill Overview
Title: Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2022
Description: This bill revises the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project (a water infrastructure project in New Mexico), including by extending through December 31, 2029, the deadline for constructing project facilities and allowing for additional project service areas.
Sponsors: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Target Audience
Population: Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, and residents of Gallup
Estimated Size: 305000
- The legislation affects water infrastructure in New Mexico, specifically the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.
- The project aims to provide a long-term water supply primarily to the Navajo Nation, part of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the city of Gallup, New Mexico.
- The Navajo Nation includes roughly 300,000 members, and this project addresses critical water needs for many of these individuals.
- Improving water supply infrastructure may also impact those living in or around the city of Gallup.
- The Jicarilla Apache Nation, though smaller than the Navajo Nation, will also be affected; its population is around 4,000-5,000.
- While direct impacts are focused on the project catchment area in New Mexico, indirectly, better water supply can enhance economic conditions, public health, and general quality of life for these populations.
Reasoning
- The water infrastructure improvements target a region with significant water scarcity issues, aiming to enhance the quality of life for the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and residents of Gallup, NM.
- The project's primary impact will be on those within the identified zones, where improved access to water is expected to elevate living standards and health outcomes.
- Wellbeing scores are expected to improve marginally over time for affected individuals as the benefits of water security materialize.
- Individuals living outside the direct project area or those not reliant on the new infrastructure will experience little to no change in wellbeing.
- Consideration of budget constraints ensures focus on areas where infrastructure improvements are most critical and efficient to maximize the population benefit.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Gallup, NM)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new water project could alleviate the current supply issues we face, making daily life less stressful.
- I hope it leads to lower water costs and better pressure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Rancher (Navajo Nation)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've waited a long time for reliable water access; this project is crucial.
- It will help sustain our livestock and improve our livelihood.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Software Developer (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not directly impacted by this project, but I think it's great for the communities who will benefit.
- Water access is a fundamental issue, and it's about time it gets addressed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Healthcare Worker (Jicarilla Apache Nation)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved water supply will definitely help reduce health risks in our community.
- Our patients will benefit greatly from cleaner, more reliable water access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Gallup, NM)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reliable water supply is crucial for my business operations and for the community.
- I'm optimistic but need to see results before raising my expectations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Student (Gallup, NM)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The project's focus on water sustainability aligns with what I'm studying and advocating for.
- I hope it will set a precedent for other communities to improve infrastructure sustainably.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retiree (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad my family in Gallup may have more reliable water access.
- Although I'm not directly impacted, this project is a step forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Tribal Governance Advisor (Laguna Pueblo, NM)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This project has been a long time coming, and I support the progress toward better utility services for indigenous communities.
- The extension and expansion are necessary to correct long-standing infrastructure neglect.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Human Rights Activist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a positive development for water rights and access, a key aspect of human rights.
- It's inspiring to see legislative acknowledgment of these issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Civil Engineer (Farmington, NM)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From an engineering perspective, this project's extension is crucial for ensuring long-term quality and service reliability.
- With adequate funding and planning, this infrastructure will meet public needs well into the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $100000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $120000000)
Year 3: $105000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $125000000)
Year 5: $115000000 (Low: $95000000, High: $135000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The project's impacts extend beyond water supply, potentially enhancing regional economic stability and public health.
- The uncertainty in the construction timeline may affect cost projections and overall completion.
- Possible changes in federal or state policy could impact funding availability.