Nearly $1 billion in new funds to aid tribal communities is now available via the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, says Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, a lead author and negotiator of the law.
“One of my top priorities was ensuring that Alaska Native people were not left out,” said Murkowski on Monday, June 6. “As a result, the final package includes substantial funding for tribes, Alaska Native corporations, and other Native organizations to benefit Native communities across the state. Now that funding is being made available, my priority is to ensure that Alaskans know what they are eligible for and how to access it, so that it is implemented in the most beneficial way possible.”
“Over the next several years, this law will provide for significant improvements for Alaska Native communities. Today’s announcement — investments in health systems, transportation, clean water, and sanitation — is a step toward the federal government ensuring greater equity and upholding our federal trust responsibility. I look forward to seeing the real-life impacts it will have on communities across Alaska,” the senator said.
The Biden administration also launched the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Tribal Playbook, which aims to give greater insight on funding set-asides for Tribal communities, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for funding.
