Navajo Nation looks for new income sources after closure of coal-fired plant
Download mp3 (1 MB)
The Navajo Nation lost tens of millions of dollars in revenue when Salt River Project closed the coal-fired Navajo Generating Station near Page in 2019.
The tribe is now looking for new income streams to make up for that loss.
Navajo President Jonathan Nez talked about the need for new economic development in his State of the Nation address Monday.
He pointed out that an agreement to help the tribe transition from coal would have provided $100 million in funds.
But it was contingent on approval by the Arizona Corporation Commission, which scaled the funding back to $10 million.
Vice President Myron Lizer says the administration is looking for new business opportunities.
“We just want to let people know that we’re open for business and we are open to any type of discussion for new manufacturing, new industries, being introduced to the Navajo Nation,” Lizer said.
The tribe has finished up an agreement with ZenniHome, which will manufacture eco-friendly housing.
