Partnership allows for manufacturing facility to replace closed Navajo power station
Dec 18, 2021, 5:45 AM
Operators on the former site of the Navajo Coal Plant, Dec. 16, 2021.(Koln Grading, LLC Facebook Photo/Denny Orick)
(Koln Grading, LLC Facebook Photo/Denny Orick)
PHOENIX — The Navajo Nation and a prefabricated home company announced Wednesday the finalization of a partnership that will allow for the construction of a manufacturing facility on a portion of the former Navajo Generating Station.
ZenniHome and the Navajo Nation are also working on arranging a long-term lease agreement to build eco-friendly homes on site, according to a press release.
The partnership allows for ZenniHome to promptly begin operations, such as hiring as many as 150 members of the Navajo Nation to build the company’s Denizen and Citizen models before the finalization of the lease agreement.
“From the ashes of one of the world’s largest coal power plants, we are building a sustainable, green housing factory — one with enormous potential for the Navajo nation,” ZenniHome founder and former state senator Bob Worsley said in the release.
The location gives enough room for expansion, which Worsley said includes the potential for a 1-million-square-foot giga factory.
Operations at the coal-fired power plant ceased in November 2019 after decades of activity.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in the release that the project was one example of the vast potential for economic growth in rural Arizona.
“We are thrilled to see new jobs and industry grow from the former Navajo Generating Station, and we look forward to continue working with our tribal partners to bring more opportunities to all parts of Arizona,” Ducey said.
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