ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The findings of an investigation initiated by a U.S. senator into the spending of federal housing grants on the nation’s largest American Indian reservation suggest mismanagement resulted in cost overruns and delays.
Top Navajo Nation officials on Thursday detailed the findings along with numerous recommendations made by Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
The recommendations include reducing the federal government’s allocation to the tribe for new homes, streamlining land acquisition and permitting processes and increasing site visits by federal inspectors.
According to the findings, the Navajo Housing Authority over 10 years received more than $803 million in funding and built only 1,110 homes. There were also concerns about board members misusing income generated by rental properties.
Regional officials with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development also recently completed a review but documented no compliance or performance concerns.