New construction to bring millions to Navajo

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Division of Economic Development reported that the Sawmill commercial center should be completed this month in its report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. The center’s cost is about $1 million, with $600,000 coming from the Business Development Fund and $400,000 in matching funds from the tenant, Red Mesa Trading.

Red Mesa Trading is also constructing the 4,200 square-foot retail facility

The Sheep Springs Welcome Center project has been delayed because of the need for a new drainage which will prevent flooding of the facilities. However, construction contracts were processed and issues with state funding were resolved during the first quarter.

The Churchrock latex glove factory was still in the predevelopment phase during the first quarter. A contract for the architect and engineering services of D. Sloan Architects, P.C., was being processed. However, the division’s project development department said that it is struggling with the Department of Justice to get the contract through the SAS process. Developing lot 15 of the Church Rock Industrial Park has been delayed because of the difficulties, the division stated.

The Division of Economic Development scheduled meetings with Zion Bank to begin the application for a Navajo banking license, according to its quarterly report.

EHS, Ltd., was selected to conduct an infrastructure assessment and site plan for a shopping center at the Burnside Junction in Ganado and an industrial site in Shiprock.

Navajo Nation Archaeology Department conducted an archaeological clearance on 35.71 acres for the proposed Ganado shopping center site.