Navajo Nation says it needs $7.9B to meet current infrastructure needs

Jan. 6, 2020

The total funding for the transportation infrastructure is $68 million annually, which will take 116 years to meet the current needs

The Navajo Division of Transportation (NDOT) recently reported that it would take 116 years to meet its current infrastructure needs totaling $7.9 billion.

NDOT completed the draft Navajo Nation Transportation Bonding Program last fall. NDOT Executive Director Garret Silversmith said the bonding program covers four major areas across the Navajo Nation transportation infrastructure: bridges, pavement preservation projects, earth road improvements, and Tribal Transportation Improvement Program shortfall.

There is a total of 14,167 miles of roads across the Navajo Nation. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) owns 42% or 5,994 miles of road; the Navajo Nation owns 34% or 4,890 miles of road; the states own 12% or 1,645 miles of road; and the counties own 12% or 1,638 miles of road. Of the 10,884 miles of road maintained by the Navajo Nation and BIA, 14% or 1,500 miles of road are paved, 1% or 98 miles of road are graveled, and 85% or 9,286 miles are dirt roads.

In addition, there is a total of 179 bridges maintained by the BIA and NDOT. From that amount, 38 bridges are eligible for rehabilitation and 28 bridges are eligible for replacement.

The Navajo Nation's Long-Range Transportation Plan of 2016 identified $1.4 billion in needs to address pavement deficiencies and $6.5 billion was identified for upgrades to the existing roadway system. The total transportation need is $7.9 billion.

According to NDOT, the agency receives $55 million annually in federal funding from the Federal Highway Administration. Additionally, $6 million is generated from the Fuel Excise Tax. NDOT also receives $1 million from the General Fund. BIA receives $6 million annually from the Department of Interior to maintain BIA routes. The total funding for the transportation infrastructure is $68 million annually, which will take 116 years to meet the current needs.

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SOURCE: Navajo Nation Council

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