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Flagstaff, Arizona - President of the Navajo Nation Kelsey A. Begaye met with Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and United States Senator Jon Kyl today in Flagstaff, Arizona.

President Begaye, in a meeting arranged by Senator Kyl, told Secretary Norton the Navajo Nation is ready to begin discussions and negotiations for use of the Colorado River in Arizona.

The Navajo Nationís proposal includes a request to begin working on contracting parts of the remaining unallocated water of the Colorado River that is not currently used by the Central Arizona Project and current water rights settlements.

"It is apparent that our proposed use of the water on the Navajo Nation is vital," said President Begaye, "The Navajo Nation cannot afford to wait for water rights claims and settlements to utilize this resource."

In the meeting, President Begaye noted his observation of the apparent use of water in the Phoenix Metropolitan region as a luxury--the use of fountains, golf courses and private swimming pools-- while he was always strikingly reminded that Navajo homes on the reservation were still without running water and plumbing systems.

In a letter to Secretary Norton, President Begaye stated the Navajo Nation made the same request to the Clinton Administration to no avail. "We are giving the Bush Administration the opportunity to correct our current situation with the lack of a viable water resource, especially for the western portions of the Navajo Nation," said President Begaye, "We need the assistance of Secretary Norton and Senator Kyl on this issue, and we are grateful for their understanding."

President Begaye noted he was pleased with the meeting and was confident the Bush Administration would take the Navajo Nation's request seriously.

The Colorado River borders the western portion of the Navajo Nation.

Contact Merle Pete by e-mail: merlepete@visto.com or phone: 520-871-6352.