The Bureau of Reclamation announced a $6.3 million investment in 10 tribal water projects, targeting critical needs such as safe drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, and water quality monitoring across Native communities in the West.
“These projects speak to the needs that remain in these communities,” said Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron. “Many of the projects selected focus on the important work of ensuring communities have safe drinking water and sanitation.”
The funding is distributed through Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program, which is designed to expand opportunities for federally recognized tribes to manage, develop, and protect water resources. Since 2016, the program has invited tribes in 17 western states to submit proposals as part of the agency’s Indian Trust responsibilities.
The selected projects reflect a broad range of infrastructure and planning needs, including drinking water system installation and rehabilitation, well construction, wastewater and lagoon systems, water quality testing, and workforce development.
Among the funded projects:
- $1 million to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for lift station replacement to protect water resources on the reservation.
- $1 million to the Spirit Lake Tribe for the Crow Hill wastewater system and lagoon construction project.
- $998,870 to the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians for drinking water system installation and rehabilitation.
- $966,817 to the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe for a water system extension project on the Helmich Road Indian Reservation.
- $959,561 to the Nambe Pueblo for a community drinking water health initiative.
- $675,000 to Inter Tribal Council Inc. for water quality testing, accessibility assessments, and recommendations serving nine tribal nations.
- $321,179 to the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council for septic replacement and well installation.
- $219,842 to the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians for well and storage tank rehabilitation.
- $108,512 to the Fort Sill Apache Tribe for groundwater monitoring, water use planning, and drought mitigation strategies.
- $60,951 to the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel for drinking water workforce development.
Reclamation officials emphasized that the Native American Affairs Program continues to play a vital role in strengthening partnerships with tribal nations through technical assistance and cooperative agreements.
The agency encourages tribes to explore additional funding opportunities and resources through its Native American Affairs Program as it continues efforts to address longstanding water infrastructure challenges in Indian Country.