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Audit Questions Spending Of Taos Pueblo Grant

A federal audit questions how the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council spent part of a $5.7 million grant for the construction of a drug and alcohol treatment center in Taos.

The New Mexican reports that an audit made public Wednesday identifies $626,257 in matching funds as a questionable expense. Most of that is attributed to a $540,000 parcel of land, but auditors question whether the parcel was accurately valued and if it's a proper use of matching funds.

In an October letter to the government, council Executive Director Gil Vigil said there was no guidance on how to assess land value and that native culture doesn't place monetary value on land.

Vigil didn't respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Auditors say $20,569 was also used to buy items after the grant end date.

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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican.

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