WASHINGTON – Today, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly announced that the Hopi Tribe has been awarded $4,165,796 from the Department of Energy to deploy a 250-kW solar powered microgrid that will power two wells at the remote, unelectrified Side Rock well field on the Hopi Reservation. These wells will deliver water to the villages of Upper and Lower Moenkopi via a pipeline that is currently in development as part of the ongoing Side Rock Water Supply project and will replace the current water source which is projected to be insufficient for community needs by 2025.
“I’m excited to announce that the Hopi Tribe has been awarded over $4 million to help secure its energy and water future,” said Senator Gallego. “Clean water is vital for community health and economic development, and this innovative project will ensure that some of the most remote parts of the Hopi Reservation have reliable access for years to come.”
“This project means Hopi families will have a steady, reliable water source,” said Senator Kelly. “By using solar power to run these wells, they’re lowering costs and making sure the community has the water it needs for years to come.”
“Water security is essential to meet the needs of families and economic development in the villages of Upper and Lower Moenkopi,” said Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Chairman of the Hopi Tribe. “This award provides the Hopi Utilities Corporation the resources to construct an advanced microgrid at the Side Rock Water Supply project, which will deliver water to nearly 250 remote homes and commercial customers. I appreciate the partnership of Senator Gallego and Senator Kelly in making reliable water supplies at Hopi a reality.”
You can learn more about the project HERE.
3/18/25