Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Health, Education and Human Services Committee of the 25th Navajo Nation Council reviewed construction delays, utility connections, and administrative challenges affecting the Navajo Nation Veterans Housing Program Oct. 12, calling for improved coordination and accountability to help veterans move into their homes.
The committee heard reports from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Navajo Veterans Administration, Bitco Corporation, the Sparrow Group, and Southwest Indian Foundation. Key concerns included incomplete infrastructure, outstanding permits, conflicting project records, and delayed home occupancy.
“While progress is being made, delays in utility connections, construction, and communication continue to prevent veterans from moving into their homes,” HEHSC Chair Vince James said. “We must strengthen coordination, establish clear timelines, and hold all parties accountable. Our veterans deserve more than progress reports, they deserve to live with dignity and stability.”
Bitco Corporation reported delivering all 80 homes to designated sites, with 32 homes turned over and septic systems installed at 72 locations. However, 17 homes still need permanent water connections, six waterline projects remain outstanding, and three electrical connections await federal tree-cutting permits. NTUA estimated the remaining Bitco electrical connections could be completed within four weeks, depending on permit approvals.
The Sparrow Group reported pending electrical connections despite paying NTUA cost estimates, citing discrepancies between utility records and contractor documentation. SWIF also reported outstanding utility installations, rights-of-way, and land permits. Two completed homes remain in storage awaiting delivery arrangements.
Council Delegate George Tolth called for NNVA to coordinate directly with contractors and utility providers, conduct regular site assessments, and maintain accurate project records. Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez also questioned conflicting reports, noting that communication and administrative delays prevent veterans and their families from occupying completed homes.
Army veteran John Franklin of Shiprock, N.M., described approximately 10 months of construction delays involving unfinished interior work, electrical wiring, and water system components. He also questioned why a cistern was installed instead of extending a nearby waterline. Sparrow Group representatives attributed the decision to cost limitations and direction from the previous NNVA administration.
NNVA Executive Director Aaron Long acknowledged staffing and administrative challenges, reporting that about 20 of 28 budgeted positions are filled. He outlined plans for additional employee training, improved coordination with veterans organizations, and a centralized housing tracking system to help applicants monitor construction progress and occupancy.
The committee also approved a directive sponsored by Nez requiring NNVA to provide fiscal year 2027 budget documents to chapter veterans organizations by Oct. 15. The directive identifies a total of almost 7,000 veterans across five agencies: Fort Defiance, over 2,000; Western, almost 1,200; Eastern, almost 1, 300; Northern, nearly 1,350; and Chinle, almost 900.
The directive further requires NNVA, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of the Controller to respect chapter veterans organizations’ budget resolutions, consult with commanders before changing allocations and ensure expenditures follow authorized purposes for the Veterans Assistance Trust Fund and Veterans Housing Trust Fund. It also calls for improved access to Fund 16 veterans accounts.
The directive passed with three votes in favor and none opposed. HEHSC emphasized continued oversight of housing progress, utility connections, project reporting, and veterans funding.
