The Navajo Nation Law and Order Committee received an update Monday from the Navajo Nation Department of Justice and the Navajo Nation Department of Corrections on ongoing efforts to secure federal reimbursement for public safety facilities through the federal 105(l) lease program.
The report detailed progress on advancing Navajo Nation police, detention, and justice facilities for lease coverage under the program, while also addressing procedural delays that have slowed final approval.
LOC Chair Eugenia Charles-Newton stressed the need to invest in infrastructure that supports public safety across the Navajo Nation.
“Strengthening infrastructure for public safety across the Navajo Nation is essential to ensuring that our police, corrections, and justice personnel can operate in safe, functional facilities,” Charles-Newton said. “The 105(l) lease process represents a critical opportunity to reinvest federal resources into maintaining and improving these facilities for our people.”
The federal 105(l) lease program allows tribes to enter lease agreements with the federal government for facilities used to support self-determination contracts. Under the program, the Bureau of Indian Affairs provides lease payments that tribes can reinvest into public safety and justice operations.
For the Navajo Nation, eligible facilities include those used for law enforcement, criminal investigations, detention operations, and court services.
According to the report, the Navajo Nation has submitted nine facility proposals backed by detailed documentation, including floor plans, building valuations, and operation and maintenance costs.
Delores Greyeyes and Department of Justice representatives told committee members that the main delay involved technical amendments to legislation previously approved by the Nation. Officials said the original language failed to include retroactive lease periods required under federal guidelines.
LOC Vice Chair Nathan Notah sponsored amendments that would allow reimbursement for operation and maintenance costs dating back to the original submission date for each proposal, ensuring the Nation can recover eligible expenses.
Despite the delays, Greyeyes said all required documentation has now been completed and submitted, placing the Navajo Nation at the “tail end” of the approval process before formal negotiations begin.
Many Navajo public safety facilities have operated for more than a decade and are beginning to experience significant structural and maintenance problems, including roof damage, detention system deterioration, and fire alarm issues. Without federal lease funding, departments have struggled to address those deficiencies.
The Law and Order Committee voted unanimously, 4-0, to approve the report. Once the amendments are finalized, the Navajo Nation is expected to begin formal negotiations with federal agencies to complete the lease agreements.