On July 22, 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced it has awarded $7 million in technical assistance funding to tribal nations across 17 Western states. The funding was distributed under the Bureau’s Native American Affairs Program, and is designed to strengthen tribal capacity to plan, manage, and sustain clean water infrastructure.
This initiative builds on earlier drought-related funding but serves a different purpose: long-term readiness and self-determined development, rather than emergency response.
According to the Bureau, the assistance will help tribal governments:
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Conduct feasibility studies
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Develop water management plans
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Train staff and expand local capacity
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Navigate permitting, design, and regulatory processes
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Strengthen overall infrastructure planning and project delivery
This round of awards was made following a competitive application process that prioritized shovel-ready projects, collaborative efforts, and clear paths toward implementation.
Why it matters
While federal grants often focus on construction, tribal nations have consistently emphasized the need for upfront support: planning, technical training, permitting expertise, and long-term system maintenance. This $7 million investment directly responds to that need and gives tribal communities the tools to build sustainable systems on their own terms.
It also complements the Bureau’s earlier announcement in July of $9 million in emergency drought relief funding—showing a two-pronged approach to water security: repair and readiness.
More details
The Bureau of Reclamation has not yet released a full list of recipients, but confirmed awards span across the 17 Western states where tribal water systems face growing challenges due to climate change, aging infrastructure, and population growth.
Learn more
Visit the Bureau of Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Program:
https://www.usbr.gov/native
