New Mexico Indian Affairs Department

The meeting commenced with roll call and establishment of a quorum, followed by the approval of the agenda. New business included the withdrawal of the Navajo Nation Code Talker Museum Design project, necessitating a future meeting to consider other projects. The Board heard presentations on the Tohatchi Public Safety Substation and the Mariano Lake Chapter Road Improvement Project. The Board voted to fully fund both the Tohatchi Public Safety Substation and the Mariano Lake Chapter road improvement projects. A motion was also passed to approve a No Cost Extension request for the Ohkay Owingeh project through June 30, 2027.

The Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board meeting included a summary of the TIF Project Expenditure Report for 2021-2024. Project presentations were given by various Pueblos and the Navajo Nation, covering construction, design, and planning requests for infrastructure projects. The board approved a change to the funding cap, setting it at 5% for the year, and certified the 2025 projects. They also approved Resolution FY 2025-1 for the sale of Severance Tax Bonds. Discussion was held regarding no-cost extensions and reversion dates, as well as reversions and redistribution under 2025 HB 450, Section 59. The next meeting date will be determined via a poll sent to board members.

The meeting addressed an amendment to Resolution 2025-01, specifically concerning an amount of $147 that was initially omitted from the final total of TIF funds awarded during the May 29-30, 20205 board meeting. The amendment adjusted the resolution to reflect a total of $80,574,147.

The meeting included a roll call, introductions, and presentations on Tribal Infrastructure Fund (TIF) projects. Discussions covered the TIF Project Expenditure Report for 2021-2024, potential changes to the funding cap, approval and certification of 2025 projects, no-cost extension considerations, and the reversion and redistribution of funds under 2025 HB 450, Section 59.

The Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board meeting addressed several key issues, including an amendment to correct the date of an IGA expiration in the February 23, 2025, TIF Board Minutes. The board discussed HB 493, the Public Finance Accountability Act, and its implications for TIF guidelines, including the need for tribal consultation. Updates to Section 7 of the TIF Guidelines were proposed, contingent upon feedback from tribal communities. Additionally, the board discussed the allocation of funds under HB 450, Section 59 (2025), and the process for utilizing previously submitted applications from the Navajo Nation.