The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has announced a $6.3 million investment to support 10 tribal water projects across Western states. The funding focuses on essential needs such as safe drinking water, wastewater infrastructure, and water quality monitoring in Native communities.
The investment comes through Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program, which helps tribes develop, manage, and protect water resources while addressing longstanding infrastructure gaps.
“These projects speak to the needs that remain in these communities,” said Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron. “Many of the projects selected focus on the important work of ensuring communities have safe drinking water and sanitation.”
Where the Funding Is Going
The selected projects reflect a wide range of priorities, from system upgrades to workforce development:
- $1 million to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for lift station replacement
- $1 million to the Spirit Lake Tribe for wastewater system and lagoon construction
- $998,870 to the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians for drinking water system upgrades
- $966,817 to the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe for water system expansion
- $959,561 to Nambe Pueblo for a community drinking water initiative
- $675,000 to Inter Tribal Council Inc. for water testing and assessments across nine tribes
- $321,179 to the San Carlos Apache Tribe for septic replacement and well installation
- $219,842 to the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians for well and storage rehabilitation
- $108,512 to the Fort Sill Apache Tribe for groundwater monitoring and drought planning
- $60,951 to the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel for workforce development in water systems
Supporting Long-Term Tribal Water Management
Since 2016, the Native American Affairs Program has invited tribes in 17 Western states to submit proposals for technical assistance funding. The program is part of the federal government’s trust responsibility to support tribal infrastructure and resource management.
This latest round of funding highlights a shift toward not just building infrastructure, but also strengthening long-term planning, workforce training, and water system sustainability.
Projects funded through the program include:
- Drinking water system installation and rehabilitation
- Wastewater and lagoon construction
- Water quality testing and monitoring
- Groundwater planning and drought mitigation
- Workforce training and development
Why It Matters
Reliable water infrastructure is essential for community health, economic development, and environmental protection. These investments help tribal nations strengthen their ability to manage water resources while ensuring safe and sustainable systems for future generations.
Reclamation officials emphasized that the program continues to play a key role in building partnerships with tribal nations and supporting locally driven solutions.
