ICYMI: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg Visits New Mexico, Navajo Nation, and Hopi Nation
Ahead of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the Secretary discussed roadway safety and infrastructure investments with Tribal leaders
Albuquerque, NM — Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Navajo Nation, and Hopi Nation. During his visit, the Secretary met with Tribal leaders, Officials from the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and other local leaders to discuss roadway safety, the infrastructure needs of Tribal communities, and how President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can support the infrastructure needs of indigenous communities.
To read more about new and expanded programs made possible by President Biden’s infrastructure law that will benefit Tribal nations, click HERE.
The Secretary began his trip by joining with visit at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), where he joined New Mexico Department of Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna, SIPI President Dr. Tamarah Pfeiffer, Bureau of Indian Education Director Tony Dearman, and other local and Tribal leaders at SIPI’s “Drive, Pedal, Walk & Ride Tribal Safety Event,” coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Secretary Buttigieg and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs Arlando Teller then joined Pueblo Governors and Apache Tribal leaders for a roundtable discussion about roadway safety in Tribal communities.
The next day, the Secretary traveled to Navajo Nation where he met with Navajo President Jonathan Nez and other Tribal leaders, and then Hopi Nation where he met with Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma and other local and Tribal leaders. The Secretary also toured local infrastructure projects.
People who are American Indian and Alaska Native have roadway fatality rates more than double the national rate on a per population basis. Tribes have also faced historic disinvestment in infrastructure. Today, 60% of roads on Tribal lands are unpaved. The President’s infrastructure law will help Tribal Nations make needed repairs to roads and bridges, improve transportation options, and upgrade airports and ports in order to improve safety, connectivity, and spur economic growth in Tribal communities.
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“Historically, … the under investment that has taken place in America with regard to infrastructure has been especially hard on Indian Country,” Buttigieg said. “[That is why] we’re finding the right kinds of projects that are going to make a difference, that can help with jobs, that can help with safety, that are going to help with climate, which is, again, impacting tribal communities disproportionately — that’s why it’s important we have these kind of engagements.”
KUNM: Buttigieg talks road safety, infrastructure with tribal leaders on New Mexico visit
“Tribal communities, tribal roads are woefully underfunded in this country,” Buttigieg said. “We think we can make a big difference, but only if we are in strong partnership and dialogue.”
KRQE Albuquerque: Pete Buttigieg makes stop in New Mexico, touches on America’s traffic issues
KOAT Albuquerque: Secretary Pete Buttigieg visits New Mexico, discusses roadway safety and infrastructure
