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Montezuma Creek resident describes tornado damage; commissioners discuss relief steps
Summary
A Montezuma Creek resident told the commission a tornado on Sept. 13 destroyed his home and outbuildings; commissioners said they will explore a special meeting and potential county or Navajo Nation assistance and referred the resident to available programs.
At the Oct. 21 San Juan County Commission meeting resident Chester Johnson described storm damage to his family’s MacGregor Mesa property after a tornado hit on Sept. 13.
Johnson told commissioners his home was blown off its foundation, a mobile home and trailer were destroyed and barns and livestock equipment were damaged. He said his sister’s travel trailer was crushed and that he has previously lost a home in a 1998 fire; he requested county assistance to recover and rebuild his house. Johnson provided staff with photos of the damage.
Commissioners expressed sympathy and said they would try to help. One commissioner said they had been communicating with Johnson by email and phone and that County leadership — including members of the commission and local nonprofit partners — were looking into options. The chair noted that the commission hoped to convene a special meeting to consider a resolution to address the situation and confirmed the county and tribal channels would be explored. A staff member referenced potential Navajo Nation coordination and local chapter assistance for relocation and rebuilding, and commissioners asked staff to follow up.
No formal county funding decision was made at the meeting. Commissioners and staff recommended Johnson pursue tribal housing channels while they pursue a special meeting to consider a county resolution and local supports.
