Biparty infrastructure deal makes historic investments in tribal infrastructure and climate resilience
Legislation is the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural systems in American history
Wednesday 10 November 2021
The following is the text of a press release dated November 10, 2021 from the Ministry of the Interior.
WASHINGTON, DC – The bipartisan infrastructure accord passed by Congress on November 5, 2021, makes historic investments in the efforts of Indigenous communities to address the climate crisis and build the resilience of physical and natural systems. “As the effects of climate change continue to intensify, indigenous communities face unique climate-related challenges that pose existential threats to tribal economies, infrastructure, livelihoods and health. Coastal communities face flooding, erosion, permafrost subsidence, sea level rise and storm surges, while inland communities face worsening conditions. drought and extreme heat, ”said Secretary Deb Haaland. “The bipartite infrastructure agreement’s historic investments in tribal communities will help build community resilience, replace aging infrastructure and provide the necessary support for climate-related resettlement and adaptation,” said Secretary Haaland.
Climate change impacts every person on this planet, but not everyone has access to vital resources or the ability to resettle in the event of a disaster. Communities and entire cultures are at risk of being lost to the perils of the climate crisis. pic.twitter.com/0vRFAW6by8
– Secretary Deb Haaland (@SecDebHaaland) November 8, 2021
The bipartite infrastructure agreement includes an investment of $ 736 million for the Office of Indian Affairs (BIA), including for infrastructure projects and climate resilience initiatives. Investments include:
Millions of Americans live within a mile of thousands of abandoned mines. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, @ Interior can support working families – who often live in rural and tribal communities – long after coal companies have moved. https://t.co/3jqtF5Z6xU
– Secretary Deb Haaland (@SecDebHaaland) November 9, 2021
The infrastructure deal also includes a historic investment of $ 2.5 billion to help the department settle Indian water rights claims and provide tribes with long-promised water resources, a certainty to all. their non-Indian neighbors and a solid basis for the future economic development of entire communities dependent on shared water resources in the face of climate change. With this transformational funding, the Home Office will support collaborative and community-led planning, resettlement spending, infrastructure investments and other forms of assistance to tribal communities. The infrastructure accord’s investments would also advance our goals of environmental equity and justice by helping to protect vulnerable tribal communities and making our economy fairer and more equitable. Secretary Haaland previously highlighted these investments during a trip to the Quinault Nation, as well as in a Seattle Times op-ed. As part of this larger commitment, the Home Office also recently awarded nearly $ 14 million to dozens of Native American and Native Alaskan tribal nations and organizations to support their adaptation planning. climate, ocean and coastal management planning, capacity building and relocation, managed retirement, and on-site protection planning for climate risks. This whole-of-government approach is essential to support and empower tribal communities as they simultaneously face environmental impacts on physical, cultural and livelihood infrastructure and resettle on higher ground.
The Home Office (DOI) conserves and manages the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and other information on natural resources and natural hazards to address challenges of society and creating opportunity for the American people, and honors the nation’s trusted responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Affiliate Island communities to help them prosper.
