Cherokee Nation officials review water and transportation projects at recent meeting

The Community Service Committee of the Cherokee Nation convened on June 16, 2025, to discuss various reports and updates relevant to community services and infrastructure development. The meeting commenced with an invocation, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum.

The first report was presented by Jennifer Kirby from the Human Services department. She provided an overview of her department's activities and invited questions from the committee members, who had none. The committee expressed appreciation for her report.

Next, Michael Lynn from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure delivered a comprehensive update. He highlighted several key projects, particularly in water and sanitation. Lynn reported the completion of a new pump station for Cherokee County Rural Water number 3 and ongoing collaborations with the Oklahoma Rural Water Association to support 20 different water systems across the reservation. He emphasized the importance of examining the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities of these utilities to address any deficiencies.

Lynn also detailed recent waterline extensions in Delaware and Mays County and provided updates on various transportation projects, including right-of-way work on multiple sites. He noted a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for a bridge in Washington County and shared plans for a new sidewalk project along US 62, which is currently in the design phase.

The meeting concluded without any further questions or discussions, and the committee members expressed their gratitude for the updates provided. The next steps for the committee will involve continued monitoring of the discussed projects and further collaboration with relevant departments to enhance community services within the Cherokee Nation.