Organization
The State of Utah-Navajo Royalties Holding Fund (UNRHF), formerly the State of Utah-Navajo Trust Fund (UNTF) is a state agency located in Blanding, Utah having a staff of six administrative employees and about 10 temporary construction workers. UNRHF receives 37.5% of the 12.5% oil & gas royalties from 16 leases located northeast of Montezuma Creek, Utah. The Navajo Nation receives 62.5% of the 12.5% royalties from these same 16 leases as well as 100% of the 12.5% royalties from other oil & gas leases in the Utah Navajo area.
UNTF ceased to exist as of June 30, 2008 as a result of the State of Utah’s decision not to be the trustee any longer for the Navajo Trust Fund. The Act of 1933 designated the State of Utah to fill the role of trustee of the Navajo Trust Fund; the state filled this role up to 2008. HB-0352 was passed by the State of Utah’s legislature in February of 2008 and signed into state law on March 17, 2008 by Governor Jon M. Huntsman. This law repealed the UNTF legislation 63-88 and amended the State of Utah-Navajo Revitalization Fund (NRF) legislation which updated portions of the NRF program and also included a provision for a transition period until the U.S. Congress designates a new trustee for the Navajo Trust Fund. The assets and liabilities of UNTF were transferred to UNRHF during the transitional period. The same UNTF staff were retained to protect the assets and to meet the responsibilities of the liabilities, which includes overseeing the completion of the approved projects.
UNTF administered these funds in the past for use in common for Utah Navajo communities and families for various programs such as higher education (college level) financial aid, water lines, sewer lines, power lines, new housing, housing renovation, housing additions, housing repairs, and other Chapter projects. New projects or new applications/requests are not entertained any longer by UNRHF but any previously funded (approved) projects are to be completed and NRF still accepts requests for funding for housing projects and other community development projects.
- The Act of 1933 and 1968 Amendment
- Utah Statute 9-11, 63A-5, and 63-88a
- Organizational Chart
- Contact Information and Staff Listing