By: NP staff | June 27

Let’s Talk Money…

WINDOW ROCK – On Monday Navajo lawmakers voted on legislation 0229-12, approving a budget reallocating $16.7 million to build a new Judicial building in Chinle,  said the speakers office in a press release.

Alton Shepard, a council delegate from Ganado said the $16.7 million was taken from the Crownpoint project, which was to also build a new Judicial building to instead use it for the new Chinle building.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) gave $23.5 million in matching funds toward the construction of public safety facilities in June 2011, said Delegate Shepherd, which allowed other monies to become available for planning or construction to commence on other justice centers in communities designated as “priority.” said the press release.

DOC accountant, Juanita Begay said the reallocated funds were coming from a surplus in the Crownpoint business unit as a result of the acquired BIA funding, adding Crownpoint will still have $4 million left in their account to cover any other unforeseen facility expenses after the draw down.

The reallocated funds are a part of a loan from Key Bank in 2010 for $60 million, to build new judicial and corrections facilities in Tuba City and Crownpoint, both locations are expected to be completed in November.

The communities of Window Rock and Shiprock, N.M. are also being looked at for new buildings, “We made a commitment to the Navajo people to construct public safety facilities,” said Delegate Shepherd, “and we will continue to move forward.”