Funding sought for relocation of Tuba City District Court

Health, safety hazards force closure of facility

TUBA CITY, Ariz. - On Feb. 10, Navajo Nation Council Delegate Joshua Lavar Butler (To'Nanees'Dizi) notified Council members of the emergency situation facing the Tuba City Judicial Court due to health hazards posed to staff, clientele and visitors during the planned construction of the new Tuba City Judicial/Public Safety Complex.

Later that afternoon, the Navajo Nation Division of Health ordered the facility closed due to the potential hazards.

In a letter to the Council, Butler outlined several cost proposals for the temporary relocation of the court. The minimum cost to relocate the Court during construction is calculated at $720,000.Butler hopes to work with the Council, Navajo Nation Controller Mark Grant, and the Director of Judicial Administration Edward B. Martin, to identify funds for the relocation.

According to the Order of Closure, the Court has 15 days to move or delay the construction of the new court complex which could jeopardize funding for the entire project.