The Department of the Interior has announced a $121 million investment aimed at assisting Tribal communities in preparing for severe climate-related environmental threats. This funding is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and represents the largest annual allocation to Tribes and Tribal organizations by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Community Resilience Annual Awards Program. A total of 96 Tribes and 10 Tribal organizations will receive funding for 124 projects.

This financial support, sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and annual appropriations, is intended to help Tribes plan for climate-related threats and relocate critical infrastructure if necessary.

“Indigenous communities face unique and intensifying climate-related challenges that pose an existential threat to Tribal economies, infrastructure, lives and livelihoods,” stated Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have made transformational commitments to assist Tribes and Tribal organizations as they plan for and implement climate resilience measures.”

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland emphasized the administration's commitment: "Today, we are not just investing in projects; we are investing in the future of our Tribal communities."

The announcement details include $17.1 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $79.8 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, and $24.2 million from fiscal year 2024 appropriations. The funding also supports the Justice40 Initiative which aims to direct 40 percent of certain federal investments' benefits to disadvantaged communities.

The awards program aids planning and implementation projects such as climate adaptation planning, community-led relocation efforts, ocean management, habitat restoration, among others. Details on these awards can be accessed on the Bureau of Indian Affairs website.

This announcement forms part of a broader investment exceeding $560 million towards Tribal climate resilience during this administration. Additionally, a new Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation Program was launched with an initial commitment of $135 million.

For more information about awarded projects or future funding opportunities visit https://www.bia.gov/service/tcr-annual-awards-program or contact resilience.funding@bia.gov.