WSP10769

• File Number: 8220.105
• Description: Colorado River-Water Projects-Navajo
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 7/1/2001
• Author: BOR
• Title: Revised Draft Environmental Assessment for the Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract-aka USBR/PNM Water Contract Renewal and Extension
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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6,7.2.1

Income

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On average. residents of San Juan County earn less than other New Mexico residents. Table 6 shows that
in 1989, approximately 10,299 families (35.3 percent) in San Juan County earned less than $15,000 per
year. State averages for persons living below the poverty level are at 20.6 percent, whereas 28.3 percent
ofaii persons residing in San juan Coumy iive beiow Ihe paveIT)' ievei. Neariy one in four famiiit:~ ill
San Juan County (24.1 percent) Jives below the poverty level while State figures are at 16.5 percent.
Another indicator of poverty is per capita income. The per capita income for San Juan County in 1989
was $8,900 while for the State it was $11,246 (USDOC 1992).

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Approximately 54 percent of all Native American families in San Juan County make less than $15,000
per year. The average income of Native American families ($13,329) is well below halfofthe average
income of non-Native American families ($31,680) (USDOC 1992). However, records show significant
improvement in levels of income for Native American families since 1970; in 1970, nearly two-thirds
lived below the poverty level. This was attributed to a lack of opportunity and partly to their desire to
maintain their traditional way of life on their land (USBR 1977). This has changed, since large numbers
of Native Americans have sought work in employment sectors other than agriculture (Table 7). With
increasingly diversified employment options have come increases in average income. SJGS payroll for
1999 was $33,826,643. In 1999. BHP had a total payroll for the San Juan and La Plata mines of
$26,370,000. This income is infused back into the local economy, contributing to its overall growth.

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Right-of-way fees and other proposed land selection activities augment tribal income for Ute Mountain
Utes and the Navajo Nation as well as employment income to individuals.

6,7.2.2

Labor Force and Employment

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The employment boom San Juan County experienced in the 1950s as a result of the discovery of major oil
and gas deposits declined during the 1960s and 1970s. The total labor force participation rate fell from
51.7 percent in 1960 to 49.5 percent in 1970. The male participation rate fell from 77.2 percent in 1960 to
66.7 percent in ] 970. Alternately, the female participation rate increased from 25.5 percent to 33.6
percent (USBR 1977). Since ]970, the overall labor force participation rate has risen. In 1990 it was at
59.3 percent, with the male rate increasing to 71.2 percent and the female rate rising to 48.4 percent.
While unemployment rates were still high in the region in 1990 (11.5 percent), the incremental gains in
labor force participation reflect sustained economic growth in San Juan County between 1970 and 1990
(USDOC 1992). Contributing factors to increases in labor force participation include the development of
coal resources, new construction projects, and the operation of SJGS and the Four Corners Generating
Station.

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There were distinct differences in employment between Native American and non-Native American
populations in the years between 1970 and 1990 in San Juan County. While Native Americans in general
had lower labor force participation rates than non-Native Americans, both groups exhibited higher
participation rates in 1990 than in 1970. In 1970, Native Americans participated in the labor market at a
rate of38.0 percent, while non-Native Americans were at 59.6 percent (USBR 1977). In 1990. figures for
Native Americans rose to 49.3 percent and for non-Native Americans, 64.4 percent. (USDOC 1992).

Among all persons in San Juan County, the greatest increase in employment between 1960 and 1970 was
in the durable goods category which increased from 278 employees in 1960 to 1,025 employees in 1970.
This represents a 278.7 perc~l1t gain. The following industries showed significant declines in

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