- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Energy | Environment
The Department of Interior will provide $10 million to restore previously mined tribal lands as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, Indian Affairs announced Thursday.
The funding will support projects to restore ecosystems on former mining sites that pose environmental and safety risks to tribal communities. The initiative will distribute $6 million in fiscal year 2025 and $4 million in fiscal year 2026.
"This investment supports our efforts to revitalize Tribal communities by helping to conserve and restore important ecosystems they depend on for their cultural, spiritual, and public health needs," Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said in a statement.
The abandoned mining sites present multiple hazards, including soil, air and water pollution, as well as dangerous equipment left behind. Wildlife faces risks from potential entrapment and habitat destruction in these areas.
The funding is part of the Department's broader Restoration and Resilience Framework, which guides $2 billion in investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. These investments focus on restoring lands and waters while building community resilience to climate change.
The restoration projects will focus on re-vegetating mined lands and removing environmental hazards. Tribes seeking assistance with applications can contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs Branch of Agriculture and Rangeland Development.
This funding represents part of the administration's broader commitment to tribal self-determination and environmental protection, according to the statement.
