NORTHERN NEW MEXICO: Under sunny skies, tribal leaders from the Taos, Picuris and Tesuque Pueblos met with Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Neal McCaleb to discuss a number of different road projects the Bureau of lndian Affairs has implemented this year. The visit by the Assistant Secretary fulfills a promise to make these road projects a priority in the Southwest Region by providing the necessary resources to overcome past problems associated with private contractors and Bureau employees.
Thousands of visitors travel each year to visit the ancient Pueblos located in Northern New Mexico to witness the cultural festivals and various landmarks of the region and a well designed and maintained road system is essential to ensure their safety. Access to safe roads for local residents is necessary to increase the economic development opportunities of the region.
A two-lane paved road project for Tesuque Pueblo was completed in July, while bridge replacement projects at Picuris and Taos Pueblos will start in early August and is scheduled for completion later this year. Through meetings with the Bureau of lndian Affairs Transportation Department the tribes have had a lot of concerns addressed in the preliminary stages of design and construction enabling them to get projects that meet their needs and Federal requirements.
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