WINSLOW, Arizona — Governor Katie Hobbs and the state legislature announced on May 11 that they had approved $20 million to rebuild the Winslow Levee in Navajo County.

The project will be the largest public works project in northeastern Arizona. This funding, along with local matching funds from Navajo County and the City of Winslow, will be combined with $66 million in federal funding already allocated by Congress for the overall project cost.

In a press release, the county said rebuilding the levee would protect thousands of Winslow residents and be key to sparking economic growth in the area, which has been effectively banned since the FEMA decertification of the levee in 2008.

Navajo County Oversight Board Chairman Alberto Peshracai said, “I would like to thank Governor Hobbes for his leadership in prioritizing funding for our community and Warren Peter for ensuring that levee spending was included in the final budget. I am very grateful to Senator Song.” “Senator Teresa Hattersley and Rep. David Cook worked hard during Congress to gain bipartisan support for the project, while Winslow Mayor Roberta Cano, the Winslow City Council, and staff made sure that the project was a social success. We have spent a lot of time working with our team to communicate the impact it will have on cities and counties, as well as the efforts of Senator Wendy Rogers to support this project in the Senate’s final budget. I would also like to thank Congressmen from LD6 and LD7: Congressmen Myron Tsosi, Congressman Mae Peshracai, and Congressman David Marshall Sr. for their “yes” votes to pass the final budget. “

The levee breach affected homes, businesses, schools and hospitals in Winslow, and residents have spent more than $15 million on higher insurance premiums since the decertification, according to the county.

The new embankment will not only protect residents, but also the railroad and transportation infrastructure that provide access to available land and natural resources in the area.

“The significance of this budget approval is a wonderful and positive step towards fostering strength, economic growth and expansion across the Winslow region,” said Winslow Mayor Roberta Cano. “I am immensely proud that the City Council, our staff, our Navajo County partners, and those lobbying for change on our behalf have worked tirelessly to make this moment a reality. Development opportunities once thought inaccessible by the flood plains are now within reach and the benefits of this funding will benefit the City of Winslow and the surrounding Indigenous communities. This project will ensure that our community members enjoy a bright future in Northern Arizona.”

The pre-construction, engineering and design phases of the project should begin by mid-summer, according to the county.