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New Navajo Nation Jail Faces Staffing Shortage

An Arizona tribe that has long struggled with tiny, run-down jails is unveiling a new adult detention center Friday.

But the 132-bed jail in Tuba City on the Navajo Nation won't be fully operational until the tribe finds enough money to staff it.

Tribal corrections director Dolores Greyeyes says the tribe is looking for a solution that includes asking the federal government for help.

She says the jail will be opened in phases as funds become available but wasn't able to say Thursday how much the tribe needs.

The Navajo Nation used a combination of federal and tribal money to build the $58 million facility. The former lockup in Tuba City was condemned years ago.

Offenders have been sent to other Navajo jails, which have a combined 50 beds.