ILGP Borrower Success Story: Navajo Tribal Utility Authority

2016 Loan Guarantee
Business/Borrower: Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
Lender: Great Western Bank
Amount Financed: $23.5 Million
Location: Ft. Defiance, Arizona
Tribal area: Navajo Nation

In 2016 the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) used the Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP) to guarantee a loan that allowed NTUA to acquire a greater ownership interest in NTUA Wireless LLC (NTUAW), a subsidiary of the tribal utility that provides telecommunications services for the Navajo Nation.

The $23.5 million guaranteed loan had granted NTUA a 51% common stock interest in NTUAW, making NTUA the first wireless/internet business primarily owned and operated by a tribal enterprise.

The creation of NTUA Wireless met an underserved and unserved communications need within the Navajo Nation. The jobs created and the ability of a greater number of Navajo homes to have access to the communications products, especially the internet, has been the greatest highlight. NTUA is organized to provide the Navajo people with services at low and reasonable costs. These services include communications, electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and photovoltaic power (solar). NTUA also promotes employment opportunities while improving the health and welfare of Navajo Nation residents.

Navajo Nation overcame several barriers building the infrastructure of NTUA. Numerous right-of-ways had to be obtained to ensure that the project remained on schedule. “NTUA continues to seek ways to expand into isolated Navajo Nation areas with very limited service," NTUA General Manager Walter Haase said. "This is especially important for families needing immediate access to emergency services or families needing to communicate with family members living away from home."

Over 80 permanent fulltime jobs were created, including 45 direct jobs within NTUA Wireless and an additional 35 jobs within NTUA to support the efforts of NTUA Wireless. "This agreement demonstrates sovereignty," Haase said. "It elevates Navajo ownership in the wireless business-whereby our voice will guide NTUAW to the next level. Any expansion opens economic venues, including increased employment. We are in an area where the unemployment rate is close to 46.5%--therefore any new jobs helps."