English: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Albuquerque District and the Navajo Nation Housing Authority (NHA) met Friday, Feb. 10, to review a Memorandum of Agreement that brings the entities one step closer to forging a working relationship.

The agreement will allow the District to assist the Tribal agency with surveying, mapping, aerial photography and construction and engineering services as part of the process of housing people of the Navajo Nation.

“I think this is going to be a very good opportunity, not only for the Navajo Housing Authority but for the Corps of Engineers,” said Earl Tulley, Senior Development Coordinator. “The District is local. They have done work on the Navajo Nation, so they have an understanding of our culture and traditions. That is really important, and I feel fortunate we were able to initiate the MOA.”

The particulars of the agreement have already been reviewed and approved by the NHA’s Board of Commissioners and a resolution was passed on Feb. 2 authorizing NHA to enter into the agreement. Once the agreement is signed by NHA’s CEO Aneva J. Yazzie, who wasn’t available to meet Friday, it will initiate a timeframe of work for five years, potentially valued at up to $10 million. However, nothing in the agreement requires the NHA to hire the District for work, or requires the District to accept work, except as may be set forth in specific support agreements.

“This agreement serves as the framework for outlining unique services the Corps can provide to the Nation that would enable us to more efficiently and effectively construct housing,” said NHA Survey Manager Michael Paisano. “Some of the services, like aerial photography and mapping are crucial for the construction of roads, bridges, infrastructure and housing.”

“The Albuquerque District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proud to be considered for the work outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement, and we will bring the right expertise and experience to ensure the NHA’s projects are undertaken successfully,” said District Commander Lt. Col. Jason Williams.

As part of the agreement, the District may also provide contract management, quality assurance, quality control and any subcontractor oversight for the production of the final products and such other related goods and services as may be agreed upon in the future.

“I look forward to solidifying this agreement with the NHA,” Williams said. “It will be an excellent example of cooperation and coordination among two Nations for the betterment of people, and that is work we can all be proud of.”

The Navajo Nation extends into the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, covering more than 27,000 square miles. The 2010 census estimated there are more than 300,000 people who are part of the Nation.