A bill under consideration in the New Mexico Legislature would funnel nearly $15 million in unspent state funds to the Navajo Reservation.

Telecommunications provider Qwest is required under existing law to pay $2 million a year to the Rural Extension Fund. But Sen. Carlos Cisneros, a Democrat, says the money is not being used.

So Cisneros introduced SB470 to terminate Qwest's future payments and distribute the remainder of the fund to a "successor" agency serving the Navajo Nation. A private company, Sacred Wind, is planning to increase telephone coverage on the reservation and would be able to use the money.

SB470 passed 27-12 in the Senate. It goes to the House for consideration.

Get the Story:
More technology makes its way to the Navajo Nation (The Farmington Daily Times 2/22)

Get the Bill:
TERMINATION OF RURAL EXTENSION FUNDS (SB 47)

Relevant Links:
Qwest - http://www.qwest.com
Indian Initiatives, FCC - http://www.fcc.gov/indians
The Digital Divide Network - http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org

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