Four Corners Flooding_Photo Credit Turkey Boy Photography

PHOENIX – Arizona Public Service (APS) is committing $250,000 to support communities impacted by historic flooding across the Four Corners region. The area, which includes northeastern Arizona, has endured torrential rains and flash floods over the past week. The harsh weather has damaged homes, disrupted roadways and triggered evacuations for many residents. Local emergency officials are preparing for additional evacuations as more storms are expected this coming weekend.

APS has longstanding ties to the Four Corners region, including serving as the electric utility for most Hopi residents and operating the Four Corners Power Plant on the Navajo Nation that plays an important role in serving Arizonans with reliable energy. Funds will go to San Juan United Way and The Hopi Foundation to support ongoing emergency response efforts and provide critical assistance to residents impacted by the flooding.

"The Four Corners region is home to APS customers, employees and their families, and the Navajo and Hopi communities are facing a serious and evolving situation, and we want to support them," said Jacob Tetlow, APS Chief Operating Officer. "I started my career working at APS’s Four Corners Power Plant and know firsthand how closely neighbors look out for one another there. We hope this contribution helps provide immediate assistance to families as community members and organizations on the ground continue working together to respond.”

“APS has been a valued partner of San Juan United Way for many years, and their support during this disaster is another example of what it means to truly invest in the communities you serve,” said Cathryn Abeyta, San Juan United Way Executive Director. “We’re hearing from families about what they’re facing and where help is needed most. This funding will help us respond to those needs and direct resources where they’ll make the greatest impact, especially as the challenges of recovery become clearer in the weeks and months ahead.”

San Juan United Way is connecting families with available resources through its 211 service and identifying needs as they emerge. The Hopi Emergency Response Team is also providing critical assistance to families and villages impacted by the flooding, including roof repairs, road assistance and other recovery needs.

“The Hopi Emergency Response Team extends its sincere gratitude to APS for their generous donation in support of flood relief efforts,” said Paul Saufkie, Hopi Emergency Response Team Incident Commander. “This contribution will also help strengthen our communities’ preparedness for future inclement weather and support efforts to protect lives and property. We are grateful for APS’s contribution as we continue working together to support affected families, prepare for future weather events, and build safer, more resilient communities.”

The APS donation is funded by shareholder dollars and will not impact customer rates.

Emergency resources for those impacted
Residents and families affected by the flooding can find immediate assistance through several resources, including:

• Central Helpline: Community members needing guidance or resources can contact the central helpline at 211 or (505) 326-1195. Operated by the San Juan United Way.
• Hopi Tribe Support: Community members may contact the Hopi Emergency Response Team at (928) 734-3662.
• Emergency Shelter: McGee Park, 41 County Road 5568, Farmington, NM 87401. Operated by the American Red Cross.
• Resource Drop-In Center: San Juan College Quality Center for Business, 5101 College Blvd., Farmington, NM 87402. Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Donation Drop-Off: McGee Park, 41 County Road 5568, Farmington, NM 87401. Operated by the Salvation Army. Donations will be distributed to sites across San Juan County, including Kirtland and Shiprock.
• Shiprock Distribution and Donation Site: The MOD community venue at the Kirk Center in Shiprock is serving as a local drop-off and pick-up location for donated supplies.

APS also encourages customers who may have been impacted to reach out and learn more about our emergency assistance resources, such as:

• APS Crisis Bill Assistance: Customers facing a temporary financial hardship may qualify for up to $1,000 per year in bill assistance.
• APS CARE: Customers can receive up to $500 in crisis bill assistance through APS’s partnership with The Salvation Army, regardless of income.

For additional resources or questions about your APS account, call (602) 371-7171 or (800) 253-9405 to speak with an APS advisor 24/7. Resources are also available at aps.com/assistance.