Hannah Grover

hgrover@daily-times.com

FARMINGTON — The Navajo Transitional Energy Company has given $200,000 to 24 projects and programs in New Mexico and Arizona.

The money was distributed during an awards luncheon Thursday in Farmington, according to a press release from NTEC. The Community Benefit Fund has been run in conjunction with BHP Billiton New Mexico Coal for the past few years. This is the first year the tribal enterprise oversaw the program on its own.

A total of 50 applications were submitted for NTEC's Community Benefit Fund, and the company evaluated the requests based on factors such as direct or indirect impact on Native American people.

“It was very competitive, and we’re thankful people put in hard work to apply for funding,” Steve Grey, NTEC's governmental and external affairs director, said in the press release.

According to the press release, NTEC Chief Executive Officer Clark Moseley spoke during the awards ceremony about helping the Navajo people.

"Being a Navajo-owned company, we have the task of ensuring our operations help the Navajo people," Moseley said during the luncheon. "Many of the projects represented today help the Navajo people and the community in which they live."

All the projects, except for a tire-recycling program at the Cornfields Chapter located south of Ganado, Ariz., will directly impact San Juan County.

NTEC does not provide information about how much money each organization was given.

Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652.

Funded projects in San Juan County

Aztec Boys & Girls Clubs Inc.: The project will fund opportunities for students living in the Kinteel Dormitory.

Don’t Meth with Us Foundation: The foundation provides education for youth about the dangers of experimenting with illegal substances.

The Northwest New Mexico First Born Program: The Farmington-based nonprofit organization will purchase Navajo-language books written for babies that will be distributed to Navajo parents.

Dream Diné Charter School: The school will install a rain catchment system and a greenhouse.

ECHO Inc.: The nonprofit organization will use money to purchase food for emergency food boxes, as well as for supplies and other operating expenses.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Farmington: The clubs will host a prevention program aimed at reducing the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The Native American Disability Law Center: The nonprofit organization will host "Myths and Benefits" presentations for major employers about employees with disabilities.

The Newcomb Chapter: The Newcomb Head Start will purchase a canopy to shelter its playground.

People Assisting the Homeless: The money will be used for programs promoting positive life skills and assisting people as they transition from PATH's shelter to a more permanent lifestyle.

Rio del Sol Kiwanis: The club will provide children with clothing and shoes.

The San Juan College Foundation: The foundation plans to purchase instructional materials to implement science, technology, engineering and math programs and Advancing STEM Science Education Together programs.

The San Juan County Life Skills Foundation: The funds will be used to develop the STEM curriculum.

The San Juan Regional Science and Engineering Fair: The money will be used to provide awards for students participating in the regional science fair.

The Foundation for Educational Excellence: The foundation trains families about leadership and supports academic achievement through the Family Leadership Institute's ten-module program.

The Sanostee Chapter: The chapter will replace bleachers used for community events.

The Tse Daa K’aan Chapter: The Hogback Chapter will create a local computer lab.

The Four Winds Recovery Center: The center will purchase outdoor fitness equipment.

Friends of the Bloomfield Aquatic Center: The group will offer free swim passes to children in elementary schools.

The Kirtland Youth Association Inc.: The association will create a play field to use for after-school programs, summer programs and football or soccer games.

Navajo Ministries Inc.: The faith-based nonprofit organization will build an athletic field for the Four Corners Home for Children.

The San Juan Center for Independence: The nonprofit organization will Install a basketball court on its property on San Juan Boulevard in Farmington.

The Northwest New Mexico Arts Council: The funds will be used to challenge high school students to use graphic design software to redesign the covers of classic books.

Northwest New Mexico Seniors Inc: The program distributes home-delivered meals throughout San Juan County.