Navajo, Hopi Relocation Bill Sent to Reagan
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WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday completed congressional action on legislation to increase funding authorization for the relocation of Navajo and Hopi Indians in the desert Southwest and to drop a ban on improving and repairing homes on tribal lands.
The bill, which had been passed earlier by the House, was approved by the Senate on a voice vote and sent to the White House for President Reagan’s signature.
The legislation would increase the authorization for incentive payments to encourage the relocation from $7 million to $13 million in order to provide the funds during an extra four-year period needed to complete the necessary housing.
Payment Ceilings Raised
It also raises the ceiling for relocation, housing, moving and other payments from $15 million annually to $30 million through the 1991 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, 1990. The actual amounts to be provided will be the subject of separate appropriations bills.
The two reservations cover parts of Arizona and New Mexico.
The legislation would allow home repairs and improvements on the homes of Hopis and Navajos located on the other tribe’s lands if the work is needed to assure the residents’ health and safety.
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