AUGUSTA, ME - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke visited Connecticut and New Hampshire on the first day of his four-day trip through New England.
The Secretary began the day at the National Congress of American Indians mid year annual conference at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. The Secretary delivered a speech, met with Tribal leaders, and met with members of the NCAI Youth Commission.
"Tribal sovereignty should mean something and the Trump Administration fully supports and respects the government to government relationship we have with Native American Tribes and Alaska Natives. As Secretary, I am committed to giving more latitude and decision-making power to the front lines, which includes our tribal communities."
The Secretary then headed to New Hampshire where he held a round table meeting with Governor Sununu, area business leaders, and sportsmen and conservation advocates from several states. Following the round table, the Secretary and the group held a press conference where the Secretary announced more than $1.1 billion in federal grants will go toward state wildlife and habitat conservation efforts.
"Hunting, shooting, hiking, and fishing represents the best of America. I was honored today to announce in New Hampshire among sports men and women, $1.1 billion in grants to wildlife agencies in all 50 states and territories for conservation and outdoor recreation."
The Secretary ended the day in Augusta, Maine, where Maine Governor LePage and his team hosted the Secretary and Interior officials for a working dinner and local hospitality. (Photos will be available tomorrow morning.)
Tomorrow, Secretary Zinke will tour Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by car, foot, and canoe.
Source: Department of Interior
