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Thursday, Mar 28th

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You are here: Community Features President Nez, Vice President Lizer approve $2.5 million for Crownpoint youth center

President Nez, Vice President Lizer approve $2.5 million for Crownpoint youth center

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CROWNPOINT, N.M. – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer joined the Crownpoint community on June 15 for the signing of Resolution CMY-18-19, which approves $2.5 million from the Navajo Nation’s Síhasin Fund to assist with the construction of a new youth center for the community of Crownpoint, N.M.

The Office of the President and Vice President invited the Navajo Nation Youth Advisory Council, 24th Navajo Nation Council, New Mexico Deputy Secretary of Indian Affairs Nadine Padilla, Office of Diné Youth, Navajo Technical University, and local community members to join President Nez and Vice President Lizer as they continue their commitment to support Navajo youth with the signing of the bill during the symbolic signing ceremony.

“Today is a very special day for our youth in Crownpoint and surrounding communities as we celebrate the signing of this bill that will help many of our young people live positive lives and instill a greater sense of hope throughout the communities,” Nez said.

According to the Crownpoint Office of Diné Youth, the new 27,000 square-foot youth complex will be constructed adjacent to the existing Office of Diné Youth facility. The new facility will include a gymnasium, locker/shower facilities, full kitchen, weight room, teen center, art classroom, library, and offices. Exterior amenities will include a playground, amphitheater, gardening area, and a parking lot. Navajo Housing Authority has also awarded over $7 million for the project.

“This project has been years in the making and we’re very happy to see the joy on the faces of our people as we celebrate this great milestone,” Nez said.

Council Delegate Mark Freeland, who sponsored the legislation to provide the $2.5 million, was also in attendance and offered his appreciation to the Office of Diné Youth and local chapter officials for their persistence and years of dedication to secure the funding.

As vice president of the Navajo Nation in his previous term in office, Nez assisted with identifying various funding sources that could be used to construct the youth center. He also worked together with Council Delegate Mark Freeland to advocate for funds from the state of New Mexico to build a wellness center in Crownpoint, which is currently under construction.

Council Delegates Edmund Yazzie and Pernell Halona were also part of the signing ceremony and offered their support to the community and thanked Nez and Lizer for their support and advocacy.

Nez and Lizer thank New Mexico Indian Affairs Deputy Secretary Nadine Padilla, who represented the Office of the Governor at the signing ceremony, for supporting projects for many Navajo communities in the state.

“The Nez-Lizer Administration thanks Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Secretary Lynn Trujillo, and Deputy Secretary Nadine Padilla for their tremendous support for our communities,” Nez said. “The new youth center and wellness center will benefit the overall community development and economic development efforts for Crownpoint and other communities.”

The 24th Navajo Nation Council approved the funding request by a vote of 20-0, during a special session held on May 23.