The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded over $32 million in grants to help tribes in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington develop environmental protection programs.
The grants, provided by the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), will go to 257 tribes and tribal consortia located in the states, an EPA press release said. Projects include water treatment, air quality alert systems, outreach, training and education.
"EPA's grant funds are critical to helping tribes sustain and grow their environmental programs and protect their communities and natural resources for current and future generations," Michelle Pirzadeh, EPA Region 10 Acting Regional Administrator, said in the release.
The Shoshone Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho was provided funds to aid in air quality reporting during wildfires, the release said. The tribe also educates the community on ways to keep indoor air healthier when the need arises.
GAP, established in 1992, aims to assist tribal communities in developing skills to manage environmental protection programs and plans, an overview on the EPA website said. GAP grants have been helpful to tribes in terms of planning for climate change impacts, educating and engaging the community in priority environmental projects and developing solid waste management plans.
The EPA is currently accepting applications for 2023 funding in the region, called Region 10. Details can be found on the EPA website.
