Section 80004 of the IRA appropriates $12.5 million to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation to provide near-term drought relief to Indian Tribes that are impacted by the operation of a Bureau of Reclamation water project. The Bureau of Reclamation oversees water resource management in the western U.S. through dams, reservoirs, hydroelectric power plants, and other projects. Section 80004 does not specify how a Tribe must be impacted by the Bureau project in order to qualify for drought relief funding, but lists drinking water shortages and loss of trust resources as examples of problems that the funding may be used to address. The appropriated funds are available until September 30, 2026.
Eligible Entities:
Environmental Justice Considerations:
Funds are dedicated to drought relief for Indian tribes.
Current Status:
Trump Administration Actions:
- Litigation Compliance Report Indicates DOI Released Some Previously Frozen Awards [04/23/2025]
- DOI Secretary Issues Order to Review IRA Regulations and Spending [02/03/2025]
- OMB Orders Temporary Pause on Financial Assistance Programs, Later Rescinded [01/27/2025]
- OMB Clarifies Scope of the Order to Halt IRA Spending [01/21/2025]
- Trump Issues Executive Order to Halt All IRA Funding Disbursements [01/20/2025]
Implementation Status at End of Biden Administration:
DOI has announced the availability of $16.5 million in funding; grant applications closed in April 2024 but DOI has not yet announced awardees.
Biden Administration Actions:
- DOI Announces Funding Opportunity for Emergency Drought Relief for Tribes with April 7, 2025 Deadline [12/20/2024]
- DOI Announces $16.5 Million to Support Tribes Impacted by Drought [12/12/2023]
- White House Releases IRA Guidebook for Tribes [04/04/2023]
- DOI Announces Tribal Consultation on the IRA [12/28/2022]
- DOI Announces Funding for Salton Sea Drought Mitigation [11/28/2022]
- DOI Hosts Public Meeting on Drought Relief Programs [09/30/2022]
Program Stakes:
The IRA’s drought-related funding appropriated to DOI is critical to ensuring Western communities will be resilient to drought and climate change. At greatest stake is the Colorado River System. DOI’s already disbursed funds are being prioritized to enhance the short- and long-term sustainability of the Colorado River System, and to support domestic water supply projects for disadvantaged communities, including in tribal communities and U.S. territories.