An agreement that will pave the way to bring common technology to the Navajo Nation for the first time was approved by the Navajo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

Enhanced street mapping allows emergency dispatchers and personnel to quickly locate homes and businesses using geographic information system (GIS) data. It is widely used in most cities and towns, as well as rural areas, but has not been available on the Navajo Nation.

“We consider this to be groundbreaking work for the Navajo Nation,” said Bill Bess.

The county will contribute up to $2,726.25 toward the project, as well as provide contract management services. The Hardrock Chapter, where the work will take place, will contribute the same amount and manage the work on the project.

To complete the project at a low cost, students from the University of Arizona will provide much of the labor, which includes providing centerlines from the roads in the area in GIS format. The GIS information can then be input into enhanced emergency software systems to help emergency personnel quickly locate addresses.

District II Supervisor Jesse Thompson noted that this type of service is especially important in rural areas like the Navajo Nation, and he hopes to see it expand to all of the other chapters.

“This is important to the chapters and the Navajo Nation,” he said.

In other action April 14, the board:

* Approved a resolution declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.

* Approved a resolution supporting job development in Navajo County.

* Approved a proclamation declaring April Fair Housing Month.

* Approved an agreement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) regarding the maintenance of roads on the Navajo Nation. The agreement replaces a previous one that expired.

* Approved the award of contracts to Western Emulsions, and Hawker and Evans Asphalt Company for the supply of liquid asphalt.

* Approved the acceptance of a .12-mile section of roadway near Chevelon Canyon into the county’s road maintenance system.

* Approved an agreement with the Salvation Army for the chip seal of 1.62 miles of roadway on Forest Service Roads 504 and 504k. The Salvation Army will pay $40,000 of the cost and the county will provide $16,000 in materials.

* Approved the purchase of a half-acre easement adjacent to the Pinetop Country Club for $60,000 in order to address drainage issues.

According to documentation provided to the board, the property value was determined by comparing two appraisals conducted by professional appraisers.

The next regular board meeting is set for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, at the county complex in Holbrook.