Work crews from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power are partnering with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to extend power lines to homes in several tribal communities.

The partnership allows the department to conduct field training for its work crews, to help them gain experience working in rural communities.

The tribal utility authority provides the materials for the projects and meals for the visiting work crews, while the department pays for labor costs, equipment and travel.

Nation President Jonathan Nez says the partnership builds upon the success of the CARES Act, which allowed over 700 Navajo families to receive electricity, among other infrastructure upgrades.

Tribal officials say the goal is to connect as many homes as possible to the electric grid within six weeks of the project’s launch in late November.

The partnership has successfully connected 29 homes.