Committee backs rez aircraft business

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Economic Development Committee has jumped on board with Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr.'s move to bring more jobs to the tribe through aircraft construction.

Last week, the committee passed legislation which fronts $1.25 million to Utilicraft Aerospace Industries from the Business and Industrial Development Fund.

The Navajo Nation Council will need to approve the remainder of the $34 million needed as part of an agreement Shirley signed with the aircraft company in December.

"If it is approved and we are able to get the rest of the funding, it is going to generate revenue and jobs for the Navajo Nation," said committee chair Lawrence Platero on Monday. "That's what we, as the Economic Development Committee, are about."

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding between Shirley and Utilicraft Aerospace Chief Executive Officer John Dupont, a $34 million investment from the Navajo Nation nets a 25 percent ownership in the company and a seat on the board of directors.

The agreement also establishes three aircraft sub-assembly plants on the Navajo Nation.

Allen Begay, division director for Economic Development, said in a press release that Utilicraft Aerospace Industries Inc. holds patents on a new generation freight plane and two contracts to build 200 planes, which could bring in $2.4 billion to the company.

Dupont said in December the project will bring nearly 1,000 jobs to the State of New Mexico; with final assembly in Albuquerque. It is expected that 96 planes will be completed each year.

The Navajo Nation Council could approve a guaranteed loan for the remaining $32.75 million or, if not approved, then the committee would look at other funding sources.

"We still have a ways to go," Platero said.