Biden frees up resources to help Navajo Nation

FARMINGTON — President Joe Biden has issued a major disaster declaration for the Navajo Nation over the coronavirus pandemic, a move that opens federal resources to sustain the tribe’s ongoing response effort.

The declaration will support the tribe’s response and recovery work through funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for medical staffing, vaccine support, supplies, equipment and personnel.

“I have authorized federal relief and recovery assistance in the affected area,” Biden wrote in the letter to tribal President Jonathan Nez.

Biden made the approval on Feb. 2 and Navajo leaders were notified that day by FEMA acting administrator Robert J. Fenton.

“Today’s major disaster declaration for the Navajo Nation affirms federal support to Navajo leaders and tribal members and the nation-nation partnership we value with the Navajo Nation,” Fenton said on Feb. 2.

Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer submitted the request for federal assistance in December to then President Donald Trump.