Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the availability of approximately $3.48 million for two five-year cooperative agreements aimed at enhancing the capacity of Tribal governments to restore land, reduce waste, prevent environmental contamination, and prepare for and respond to environmental emergencies in Indian country.
“These cooperative agreements will help bring together Tribes to share their experience and expertise in managing land cleanup and emergency response challenges,” said Clifford Villa, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. “We are building the partnerships and capacity that will benefit Tribes for years to come as we collectively work to revitalize Tribal communities and protect the environment.”
Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the EPA plans to award two cooperative agreements to one recipient who will provide training, technical assistance, research, and tools to Tribal environmental staff. The goal is to build capacity on waste management, cleanup, pollution prevention, and emergency response programs within Indian country.
Funded activities include hosting the annual Tribal Lands and Environment Forum—a national conference that brings together various stakeholders including Tribal professionals—to provide tools for implementing successful environmental programs. Other activities involve supporting the Tribal Waste and Response Steering Committee composed of 10 Tribal environmental professionals experienced in waste management and emergency response.
Additionally, these initiatives will offer both in-person and virtual trainings along with online resources. They also aim to assist the Tribal Superfund Working Group by facilitating inter-Tribal networking opportunities and providing research on policy issues related to contaminated sites.
Eligible entities for this funding opportunity include federally recognized Tribes, inter-Tribal consortia, public or private non-profit universities or colleges, as well as other public or private non-profit organizations. Applicants must submit applications for both Project One and Project Two under this competitive opportunity which totals $3.48 million over five years.
The application deadline is October 10, 2024. Potential applicants are encouraged to register on the EPA’s website and attend an informational webinar scheduled for September 11, 2024 at 3:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time.
Further details about this funding opportunity can be found on EPA’s website.
