GALLUP, N.M. – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández secured a $1 million federal appropriation through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process for the Red Lake Chapter Complex, bringing the project more than halfway toward its estimated $10 million construction cost.
The federal investment will help replace Red Lake Chapter’s aging modular facility, which has served the community for more than 30 years despite structural and accessibility challenges. Once complete, the new chapter complex will provide ADA-compliant public access, expanded meeting space, a commercial kitchen, computer and conference rooms, and improved space for chapter services, elections, emergency response, and community programs.
“I appreciate Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández for securing this $1 million investment for Red Lake Chapter,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “This funding brings the community another step closer to replacing a facility that has served families for more than 30 years with a chapter complex built to serve future generations.”
The Red Lake Chapter Complex is estimated to cost $10 million, with more than $5.7 million already secured through federal, tribal, state, and rural infrastructure funding. Current commitments include more than $1.04 million from the Navajo Nation Síhasin Fund, $495,000 from the State of New Mexico, more than $1.18 million in Rural Rural Road funding, the $1 million secured by Congresswoman Leger Fernández, and an additional $1 million secured through the efforts of U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján.
Designed to serve approximately 2,300 residents, the new facility will become a central location for local government services, chapter meetings, elections, educational opportunities, emergency coordination, and programs supporting elders, youth, and families. The project will replace an outdated modular building with a modern facility designed to better meet the needs of the community for decades to come.
“Red Lake Chapter has waited too long for a facility that fully serves its community,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández. “I was proud to secure this funding because investing in tribal infrastructure means investing in safer public spaces, stronger local governments, and better opportunities for Navajo families.”
The Navajo Nation will continue working with its congressional delegation, Council leadership, chapter officials, and federal partners to secure the remaining funding needed to complete the Red Lake Chapter Complex.
