Congressman Renzi hosted several “Coffee with the Congressman” events in Cornfields, Burnside, Ganado, Nazlini and Steamboat on the Navajo Nation and met with residents to discuss the need for improved transportation and education and greater access to quality healthcare.  Renzi also discussed federal efforts he is spearheading to combat the spread of meth on tribal lands. Renzi recently offered legislative language that was approved by the House to include tribal governments as part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. Renzi’s measure will direct the Office of National Drug Control Policy to specifically include in its drug control efforts the Navajo Nation, the San Carlos Apaches, the White Mountain Apaches, the Yavapai Apaches and the Tohono O’odham Nation which is located just south of Congressman Renzi’s district.

“Improving the quality and the delivery of basic government services to Native American populations and communities in rural Arizona are my top priorities in Congress,” said Congressman Renzi. 

Congressman Renzi toured the Williams Airport and has introduced legislation to convey airport land owned by the federal government to the City of Williams. The goal of the legislation is to encourage jobs, generate additional airport revenue and help the Williams’ economy grow.  The measure will expand the use of the Williams airport, and provide the city with flexibility to use the surrounding property for an industrial park and other airport facilities.

“This land will allow a local airport like the one in Williams to expand and grow its operation,” Congressman Renzi said.  “Municipal airports like this one represent both an important transportation link, and a critical part of the local economy. The airport also plays a crucial role in providing needed support to protect our communities from disastrous wildfires.”

Renzi also traveled to Ash Fork to tour a saw mill under construction that will aid in forest thinning and produce wood pellets and other bio-mass fuels. Congressman Renzi has pushed for the increased use of biomass energy made from forest waste to replace or supplement traditional sources of energy. Renzi noted that bio-mass will not only help provide affordable energy, it would also keep manufacturing jobs in America.

“We have the American ingenuity to allow companies to utilize forest waste to power their businesses,” said Congressman Renzi. “One estimate shows there is currently enough biomass available nation-wide to produce billions of gallons of bio-fuels per year. The end result will not only be safer forests, but affordable and alternative energy grown here in America.”