major topographic feature of the Chapter. It carries ephemeral stream flows to the Puerco River. Elevation is greater than 7,100 feet above sea level. Climate The climate can be severe, especially in winter. Soils are highly erosive if disturbed. Bread Springs has very high scenic quality because of its mountainous landforms and forest cover. Livestock grazing and fuel woodcutting are the principal economic uses of the Chapter’s natural resources. Land Suitability Analysis Earthquake/Seismic Analysis Bááháálí Chapter is not in an earthquake prone zone. This information was gleaned from the U.S. Geological Seismic Hazard Maps, based on probabilistic ground motion values at the nearest grid point, which encompassed the designated area. (Reference materials: National Seismic Hazard Mapping Project; U.S. Geological Survey, Central Region, Golden, Colorado. The aforementioned data is deemed reliable through November 14, 2000, but periodic seismic events may naturally over time, therefore all or some of the sites chosen for housing or economic development purposes will require an analysis by the designer, prior to the preparation of plans, specifications and construction drawings. Flood Hazards Consultants have reviewed the maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Agency and determined that the areas chosen for home, community center, and administrative office complex would not be affected. Arroyo flow and minor waterways can be addressed during the design for a particular project site. Soil Analysis The soils in the Bááháálí Chapter varies very slightly from one location to another, therefore, several sites may be combined as follows. It should be noted that expansive clay is found throughout the reservation. The soils are predominately alluvial
and community development for Tribes and their members.” Planning “infrastructure resources” (water, sewer, telecommunications, roads), as part of housing planning, is also an objective of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. Affordable housing “means housing that complies with the requirements for affordable housing under title II” and “includes permanent housing for homeless persons who are persons with disabilities, transitional housing, and single room occupancy housing.” The Chapter land use and housing plan is in the category of “Model Activities” defined in Section 202 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. The primary purpose of the land use plan is to identify sites suitable for affordable housing. Under “Model Activities,” other areas of community development may be addressed as well. These include community facilities, economic development, and the environment. The report consists of four integrated parts: a community needs assessment, a suitability analysis, an infrastructure analysis, and a land use plan. The final report includes implementation recommendations. All supporting maps will be encoded in Geographic Information Systems format. Public Participation requirement Public participation in the planning process is required to comply with the Native American Housing Assistance and Act. The community’s vision and guiding principles for its future development has been solicited through public meetings and in consultation with community staff and officials. The focus of the Community Assessment is evaluation of housing and demographic data that is to be the basis for predicting housing demand for the next 25 years. This phase of the planning process also contains a summary of the guiding principles and vision regarding local planning and development as expressed by the community. Assessment Existing and Future Housing Demand