Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council approved Legislation No. 0012-26, allocating $120 million from the Síhasin Fund to support transportation infrastructure projects across the Navajo Nation, on April 21.
The funding will be used to carry out the Transportation Improvement Expenditure Plan, which focuses on repairing, rehabilitating, and improving roads, bridges, and related transportation systems to ensure safer and more reliable travel for Navajo communities.
“This legislation meets a long-standing need for the Nation,” Council Delegate Arbin Mitchell, the sponsor of the legislation, said. “Our communities rely on roads that have gone without adequate investment. By increasing funding and pushing these projects forward, we are making sure critical infrastructure is not delayed any longer and that our communities have access to critical resources.”
Mitchell expressed his concerns for public safety, stating that the roads that continue to go unmaintained cause a hazard for the elders who travel, and the school bus route puts children in danger when traveling on dangerous roads.
Originally proposed at $84 million, the legislation was amended to increase total funding to $120 million, strengthening the Navajo Nation’s ability to address widespread infrastructure needs.
The amendment, introduced by Delegate Vince R. James, also raised the allocation for each delegate region’s infrastructure projects to $5 million, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources across all regions.
This increase allows for expanded project planning, design, construction, and equipment acquisition, directly supporting local priorities identified by chapters and communities.
The Transportation Improvement Expenditure Plan includes projects that will address critical road conditions, improve access to essential services, and enhance public safety.
Mitchell said roads across the Navajo Nation require significant investment to maintain safe passage and support long-term economic and community development. By funding these projects, the 25th Navajo Nation Council aims to reduce travel hazards, improve connectivity between communities, and strengthen infrastructure that supports schools, healthcare access, and local businesses.
Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson, a co-sponsor of the legislation, supported the amendment and emphasized the importance of securing adequate funding for rural communities.
“Roads remain a top priority for me within my legislative district and a $5 million investment will vastly improve road conditions,” he said. “These funds will also help with planning, design, and construction, and the overall quality of life for our communities. I want to thank Delegate Mitchell for sponsoring the legislation to keep our rural and remote communities at the center of this work.”
Under the legislation, these projects will be administered by the Navajo Division of Transportation, which will oversee project implementation in coordination with the Office of the Controller. Funds are designated specifically for planning, design, construction, and related infrastructure activities, with any unused funds to be returned to the Síhasin Fund upon project completion.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved Legislation No. 0012-26 with a vote of 21 in favor and none opposed. Once certified and delivered to the Office of the President and Vice President, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren will have up to 10 calendar days to act on the resolution.
