Navajo Nation approves $84M Síhasin for McKinley County road, safety projects

RDC Chair Brenda Jesus announced a unanimous committee approval that directs $84,000,000 in Síhasin Funds to the Navajo Nation Transportation Improvement Project, packaging 64 projects and assigning $3.5 million to each delegate region — funding that will flow to delegate regions serving McKinley County and other areas. “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,” Jesus said in the council press release.

The Resources and Development Committee approved Legislation 0012-26 in a 5–0 vote on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, and the Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker issued a press release on Feb. 26, 2026 outlining the action. The measure now advances to the Budget and Finance Committee for further consideration and potential appropriation.

The approved Expenditure Plan allocates $84,000,000 in Síhasin Funds to the “Navajo Nation Transportation Improvement Project” and lists eligible expenditures including planning and design, covering road construction shortfalls, and equipment acquisition. “According to Deputy Director Dayzie, project selection was guided by a data-driven process that considered traffic volume, housing density, and proximity to essential services. Priority was given to school bus routes, areas near health care facilities serving high‑risk patients, and roadways with safety concerns or high accident rates,” the press release states.

committee discussion produced a series of reassignments and amendments targeting specific routes and safety priorities. Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson redirected funding from two projects to support the planning, design, and paving of the final segment of Navajo Route 71 in Birdsprings Chapter, citing its use as a school route. A delegate identified only as Claw reallocated funds to extend pavement on Navajo Route 7 to the Navajo Route 8015 junction at the request of constituents. Delegate Otto Tso amended the proposal to move money away from three airport projects to fund a pothole repair project on Navajo Route 608 and a sidewalk improvement project along Navajo Route 1017 in Tuba City, Arizona.

The legislation was presented to the committee by co-sponsor Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson and the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation deputy director identified in source materials as Shelbie Dayzie in the press release and as Shelby Dayzie in photo captions and subsequent reporting. The press release includes a photo caption reading, “Legislation sponsor Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson (left) and Navajo Nation Division of Transportation Deputy Director Shelby Dayzie presented Legislation 0012-26 allocating $84 million for transportation improvement.”

The press release did not publish the full roster of the 64 projects or per-project dollar amounts, nor did it specify which three airport projects were reduced under Delegate Tso’s amendment. Media contact listed in the council release is nnlb.communications@gmail.com. The Budget and Finance Committee will next determine budgeting details and any timing for procurement and construction.