The Daily Times staff

FARMINGTON — The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise has issued $1.5 million to the Navajo Gaming Net Revenue Distribution Fund.

Officials from the gaming enterprise presented the check to the tribe on Jan. 25 during the Navajo Nation Council's winter session in Window Rock, Ariz., according to a press release from the enterprise.

In accordance with tribal law and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the gaming enterprise must contribute revenue to the Navajo Gaming Net Revenue Distribution Fund.

Money in the fund may only be used for specific purposes, according to tribal law. Last year, the tribal council's Budget and Finance Committee developed and approved policies for distributing the funds. Chapters can use the money for infrastructure, housing, economic development and education, according to the gaming enterprise's release.

Derrick Watchman, CEO of the gaming enterprise, said in the release that Navajo gaming is “strong and growing,” and its facilities providing high-quality jobs and stability.

“We are honored to fulfill our obligations and make these distributions, which are to benefit the Navajo people,” Watchman said in the release.

This marks the third payment to the fund by the gaming enterprise, which previously issued $5 million in 2012 and $1 million in 2013.

Another distribution will be made in the spring, according to the gaming enterprise.

The gaming enterprise operates three casinos in New Mexico: Fire Rock Navajo Casino in Church Rock Chapter, Flowing Water Navajo Casino in Tsé Daa K'aan Chapter and Northern Edge Navajo Casino in Upper Fruitland Chapter.

It also operates Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort in Leupp Chapter in Arizona.