- Details
- By Jenna Kunze
The Department of the Interior today announced a $29 million investment in dam safety programs for tribal communities.
The money, included in the $13 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s spending on tribal communities across the country, will specifically benefit the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Irrigation, Power, and Safety of Dams programs.
Six dams that currently exceed safety guidelines will be re-designed and repaired— including one at the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona, one at the Crow Reservation in Montana, and two at Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
The reservoir formed by Oglala Dam on the Pine Ridge Reservation was drained in 2019 to protect communities downstream after flood damage. The repair project, slated for completion in 2026, will repair damages and restore an important local water supply for the Pine Ridge community, according to the Interior’s press release.
“In addition to the resources we have allocated for irrigation power systems and water sanitation systems in Indian Country, today’s announcement will further safeguard tribal water supplies, supporting families and communities,” Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said in a statement. “This is yet another step in the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to put investments into communities that need them most.”
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said that maintenance and repairs on dams have been delayed for years, amounting to today’s maintenance cost of more than a billion dollars.
He said that the $29 million investment “will make communities safer and provide additional water for irrigation and other purposes.”
More Stories Like This
Interior Department Announces Over $119 Million for Abandoned Coal Mine ReclamationOsage Minerals Council Celebrates the Final Dismissal of Hayes II Litigation
Bad River Chairman: "Line 5 is a daily threat to our clean rivers and lakes, our fish, and our wild rice."
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Curley Announces Public Hearing on Federal Coal Industry Initiatives
NDN Fund Continues to Support of Landback Efforts in Copper River Delta, Alaska
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
