The Shiprock Home for Women and Children in Shiprock, New Mexico, is almost finished but litigation with the Navajo Nation has put the facility at risk.

RJN Construction started work on the $6 million shelter eight years ago. But a dispute erupted over the ownership of the site, with a tribal court judge finally deciding in the tribe's favor earlier this year.

The tribe has now chosen a new construction company to finish the project. It's not clear, however, when the facility will open.

"The Navajo Nation remains committed to completing the Shiprock domestic violence shelter project to provide a safe place for the community's most vulnerable citizens to find refuge," Brian Lewis, a tribal attorney, told The Farmington Daily Times.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Ray Begaye (D) has asked the state to suspend $1.15 million in funding that is needed to finish the center.

Get the Story:
Shiprock shelter's funding could evaporate (The Farmington Daily Times 5/4)

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