WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Two Navajo Nation jails that were scheduled for closure are expected to continue operating until April.
The Gallup Independent reported Thursday that the detention facilities in the tribal capital city of Window Rock and in Shiprock, New Mexico, were scheduled to be closed March 4 because of structural and environmental safety issues.
About $3.1 million has already been allocated from Navajo Nation public safety funds to build a new $79 million facility in Shiprock.
The jailhouse in Window Rock also served as a district court until 2018 when proceedings were moved to another building. Cost estimates for a new justice center in the city were not immediately available.
Inmates are expected to be held at jails in Chinle and Tuba City in northern Arizona during the period between closures and the completion of new facilities.
