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The Department of the Interior has recommended that Congress amend certain provisions of "the Act of March 1, 1933, which added lands in southern Utah to the Navajo Indian Reservation.
The act provides that 37.5 percent of net royalties from tribal oil and gas leases on these lands be paid to the State of Utah. The State, in turn, is required to spend the money for “tuition of Indian children in white schools" and for road construction.
As of May 18, 1966 the special fund totaled more than $5 million.
The Department has suggested that the act be amended to authorize expenditure of the money for any purpose that would contribute to the health, education, and general welfare of the Navajos. The Department said the original provisions have been subject to varying interpretations in the past and, in the Department's opinion, the restrictions are not in the best interest of the Indians.
Another recommendation by the Department is that beneficiaries include all Indians residing in San Juan County and not solely those who live on former public lands in the county
