Native News
Navajo Nation Judicial Branch Welcomes Major Investment in Justice Infrastructure
The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch is welcoming the passage and signing of Resolution CJY-33-26, legislation that authorizes significant investments in justice infrastructure and other major capital projects across the Navajo Nation.
The resolution amends the Capital Development Financing Act and establishes financing authority through the Capital Development Financing Fund (CDFF), paving the way for major infrastructure improvements that include the Navajo Nation’s historic broadband initiative as well as priority projects for the Judicial Branch and the Division of Public Safety.
Among the projects authorized is $162.7 million in CDFF financing proceeds for the replacement of the Shiprock (Tsé Bitʼaʼí) Judicial/Public Safety/Medical Examiner Complex and the Dilkon Justice Center Phase II project. Funding for the projects is expected within the next nine to twelve months.
The Judicial Branch said the investments will strengthen essential public services, improve access to justice, and help meet the growing needs of communities throughout the Navajo Nation.
“The Judicial Branch is committed to providing fair, accessible, and culturally grounded court services to communities across the Navajo Nation,” the branch said in a statement. “Investments in modern court facilities help ensure those services remain available for generations to come.”
The replacement of the Shiprock Judicial/Public Safety/Medical Examiner Complex will create a modern facility designed to improve the administration of justice in one of the Navajo Nation’s busiest judicial districts. The project will also bring together judicial, public safety, and medical examiner services under one roof to improve coordination and efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Dilkon Justice Center Phase II project will continue the development of a modern justice facility intended to better serve residents of Dilkon and surrounding communities, expanding access to court services in the region.
Judicial officials described Resolution CJY-33-26 as an important long-term investment in the Nation’s justice system and public safety infrastructure. In addition to court facility improvements, the legislation supports broader capital investments that will benefit communities across the Navajo Nation.
The Judicial Branch also acknowledged the leadership and collaboration that helped advance the legislation, recognizing Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, the 25th Navajo Nation Council, the Division of Public Safety, the Navajo Nation Broadband Office, and others who worked to move the projects forward.
Once completed, the new facilities are expected to enhance judicial operations, improve coordination among justice agencies, and expand access to court services for Navajo citizens for generations to come.