The Desert Rock Energy Project will create new employment opportunities for the Navajo Nation. Based on the 2000 census 38.5 percent of all Families have a household income under the poverty level. Unemployment rates exceed 50 percent and many college educated students are unable to return to their homes because of lack of jobs. The project will generate an average of 1,000 jobs during the 4-year two-unit construction period. Long-term employment at the facility will employ 200 people at the power plant and an additional 200 people associated with employment at the BNCC mine expansion.
The tax revenue benefit to the Navajo Nation from the power plant and mining operations will be more than $50 million annually, making up over 30% of the current Navajo Nation annual spending budget.
The Desert Rock Energy Project is designed to provide for up to 50 years electricity to utilities in the southwestern United States. The regional impact of the project is minimized using the latest technology and standards for construction. Detailed requirements for reclamation and decommissioning insure the mine and power plant areas will be recuperated after its operation.
The Desert Rock Energy Project is being developed by Sithe Global Power, LLC with Diné Power Authority (DPA), an enterprise of the Navajo Nation. DPA was established as an enterprise by the Navajo Nation Council to promote the Navajo Nation’s development of energy resources. This project represents a substantial economic development for the Navajo Nation.
The Desert Rock Energy Project is strongly backed by the Navajo Nation. Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr. spoke of the power project and the associated Navajo Transmission Project in his April 2006 State of the Navajo Nation address before the Navajo Nation Council. “Simply put, this project will address one of the most important economic development, environmental and energy challenges facing the Navajo Nation,” he said, “I fully support this worthwhile endeavor and hope that you will continue to do so as well.”