Turtle Talk

I’ve compiled a list of the direct-funding items in the latest version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the one that passed the Senate on Tuesday). Keep in mind that there are a number of other appropriations and benefits that are not specific to tribes, but for which tribes may be eligible. I will post an updated version as soon as the Conference Report is released (the final version on which both the House and Senate will soon vote). Here are the Indian Country provisions – totaling more than $2.7 Billion:

$522 million to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for “Construction”

$510 million for the Native American Housing Block Grant – $255 million of this amount must be distributed according to the same funding formula used in FY 2008 (NOTE: Tribes must obligate 100% of funds within one year. 50% of funds must be spent within 2 years, and 100% of funds must be spent within 3 years. Failure to comply may result in Secretary of HUD recapturing unexpended balance.)

$410 million for Indian Health Facilities – Spending caps for the purchase of medical equipment do not apply.

$400 million for Bureau of Indian Affairs schools facilities – $200 million is appropriated in each FY 2009 and FY 2010.

$320 million for the Indian Reservation Roads Program – the Secretary of Interior may use up to 4% of these funds for program administration and oversight.

$300 million for the Office of Justice Programs, Assistance to Tribes – $250 million is dedicated to grants under Title II of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994; $25 million is dedicated to the tribal courts initiative; and, $25 million is dedicated to tribal alcohol and substance abuse drug reduction assistance grants.

$135 million for the Indian Health Service (NOTE: $85 million is dedicated to Health Information Technology and $50 million is dedicated to Contract Health).

$60 million for Tribal Clean Water Grants – The legislation appropriates $4 Billion for State Revolving Funds under the Water Pollution Control Act, of which 1.5% is set aside for tribal grants.

$20 million to Community Development Financial Institutions for financial assistance, technical assistance, training, and outreach programs that benefit tribal communities.

$20 million for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Housing Improvement Program.

$5 million for the Department of Agriculture’s Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, for the costs of administrative expenses associated with the program.

The Recovery and Reinvestment Act also appropriates $1.4 Billion to the Bureau of Reclamation for various activities, including participation in fulfilling related Federal responsibilities to Native Americans, and related grants to, and cooperative and other agreements with, State and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes. It does not specify how much of this funding is directed to tribes.