On December 12, 2023, DOI announced $16.5 million in funding through the Bureau of Land Reclamation to expand access to clean water supplies for Tribes confronted by drought conditions threatening Tribal homelands, food sources, and cultural resources. The two funding opportunities, made available through the Bureau of Land Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Program, include $12.5 million appropriated by IRA section 80004, and $4 million in annual funding for technical assistance and cooperative agreements.
Eligible Tribes in the 17 western states can submit applications by April 11, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. ET. The maximum award per project is limited to $500,000, and the maximum total awards per Tribe is limited to $1 million.