WASHINGTON — On Thursday, within his first month in office, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with U.S Treasurer Lynn Malerba on the need for the Nation to eliminate and prevent the reversion of any unspent funds appropriated to it by the federal government.
Treasurer Malerba cautioned that the Navajo Nation is one of the largest grantees for a variety of federal sources. Should the Nation not expend these grants, congress could limit future appropriations.
Every quarter the treasury reports to congress how much money it has spent and how much has been obligated, she said.
As an example, she said, the Nation has until 2024 to obligate its federal ARPA funding, see that it’s spent by 2026 or risk having it returned to the federal government. The window is quickly closing, she said.
Currently, the Navajo Nation has a portion of $1.8 billion in ARPA funding that is unspent and needs to be obligated.
President Nygren shared his commitment to completing these projects and he shared his appreciation to Treasurer Malerba on her federal leadership role.
Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba is a member of the Mohegan Tribe, where she serves a lifetime appointment as chief by the tribe’s Council of Elders.
###