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- By Native News Online Staff
On Monday, the Resources and Development Committee (RDC) approved Legislation 0012-26, authorizing $84 million in Síhasin Funds for the Navajo Nation Transportation Improvement Project and adopting its Expenditure Plan.
“The RDC supports the legislation’s intent to prioritize the improvement, repair, and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and related transportation facilities to strengthen safety across the Nation,” said RDC Chair Brenda Jesus.
The measure was presented by co-sponsor Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson and Navajo Nation Division of Transportation (NNDOT) Deputy Director Shelbie Dayzie. Legislation 0012-26 approves NNDOT’s Transportation Improvement Expenditure Plan, which outlines 64 projects and distributes $3.5 million to each delegate region, totaling $84 million. Funded efforts include planning and design, addressing road construction shortfalls, and purchasing equipment.
Deputy Director Dayzie explained that projects were identified through a data-driven process evaluating traffic counts, housing density, and proximity to essential services. Priority was placed on school bus routes, roads near health care facilities serving high-risk patients, and areas with documented safety concerns or high accident rates. She added that compliance requirements for non-federal routes were reviewed, with staff working to streamline clearance processes where feasible. NNDOT is also preparing detailed scopes of work and cost estimates to assist delegates and chapters in project planning and decision-making.
Council Delegate Shawna Ann Claw noted the absence of a memorandum from the Office of Budget and Management verifying the availability of Síhasin funds, as well as documentation from the Office of the Controller. She motioned to add a directive requiring both memorandums to be attached before the legislation proceeds to the next subcommittee.
Claw also asked whether project selections were coordinated with council delegates, chapter officials, or supported by chapter resolutions.
Dayzie responded that NNDOT conducted one-on-one consultations with delegates, chapter officials, and school representatives during the planning process.
Council Delegate Danny Simpson introduced an amendment to shift funding from a regional road improvement project to the planning, design, and construction of County Road 7900 in Nageezi, N.M. He said the current alignment runs alongside a gas line, posing safety concerns. Simpson noted that he collaborated with Council Delegate George H. Tolth, whose region borders the roadway, to support rerouting and chip-sealing the route.
The amendment also reallocated funds from Delegate Tolth’s regional road repair projects to County Road 7900.
Council Delegates Claw, Johnson, and Otto Tso proposed additional revisions to direct funding toward priority road projects within their respective regions.
Delegate Claw said her constituents identified the extension of pavement on Navajo Route 7 to the Navajo Route 8015 junction as a priority and adjusted funding accordingly.
Delegate Johnson redirected funding from two projects to support the planning, design, and paving of the final segment of Navajo Route 71 in Birdsprings Chapter, noting its use as a school bus route. Delegate Tso amended the proposal to reassign funding from three airport projects to a pothole repair initiative on Navajo Route 608 and a sidewalk improvement project along Navajo Route 1017 in Tuba City, Ariz.
The Resources and Development Committee ultimately approved Legislation 0012-26 in a 5–0 vote. The measure now advances to the Budget and Finance Committee.
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